Additional Coverage:
- Kentucky Derby home was on track to be one of ‘deadliest’ in US after series of fatalities (themirror.com)
The Kentucky Derby’s iconic venue, Churchill Downs, has drawn criticism from animal rights group PETA, which has labeled it one of the deadliest horse racing tracks in the United States.
Known worldwide for hosting one of the biggest sporting events annually, Churchill Downs attracts fans eager to witness the spectacle of the Kentucky Derby. Yet beneath the excitement, concerns over horse fatalities have cast a shadow over the famed racetrack.
PETA points to a troubling history of horse deaths at Churchill Downs, suggesting the track is approaching a reputation as one of the most hazardous in the country. This allegation surfaces as the Kentucky Derby prepares for its 152nd running.
“Churchill Downs cannot keep its shareholders in the dark,” stated PETA Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo. “They must explain why their safety measures fall short compared to states like California, which have significantly reduced horse deaths in recent years. It’s unacceptable that the home of the world’s most famous horse race and one of America’s wealthiest racing companies can’t ensure the safety of its equine athletes.”
Initial reports from Churchill Downs cited five horse fatalities in 2025, but media investigations and insider sources revealed at least 13 deaths related to racing or training at the venue-figures that were not disclosed to shareholders.
Notably, Kentucky remains the only state that does not publicly report horse deaths at racetracks, unlike California and New York. PETA, a shareholder in Churchill Downs, highlighted the 12 fatalities recorded in 2023, which have sparked ongoing health and safety concerns.
In response to the number of horse deaths, Churchill Downs has previously suspended races. One particularly tragic incident involved Valley of Fire, a horse that suffered fractures to both legs in 2025 and had to be euthanized. This event prompted serious reflection within the horse racing community about improving safety standards.
Will Farmer, Churchill Downs’ Equine Medical Director, described the loss as “absolutely gut-wrenching” but found some comfort in ending the horse’s suffering. He emphasized that such incidents lead to critical reviews of current protocols.
“Every time something like this happens, we reflect and ask what we can do better,” Farmer told Wave 3. “It’s disheartening, but we must keep moving forward.”
As anticipation builds for the Kentucky Derby on May 2, with Renegade favored to win at 4-1 odds, the conversation around horse welfare at Churchill Downs remains a pressing issue for both the racing industry and its supporters.