Churchill Downs Moves Races To Ellis Park After Horse Deaths

On the heels of a number of horse deaths at the famed track, Churchill Downs officials have announced they’re moving the spring-summer meet to Ellis Park in Henderson.

“Even though the investigations and expert reports have indicated no surface issues, in an abundance of caution, and in alignment with a recommendation from the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, Churchill Downs has elected to relocate the meet in order to conduct a top-to-bottom review of all safety and surface protocols,” reads a statement issued on Friday.

The change will go into effect next Wednesday, track officials say. In the meantime, this weekend’s races will be run as scheduled at Churchill Downs, management reports.

Is the track responsible for the horse deaths, or is it the sport?