At Churchill Downs, nothing is more important to us than the integrity and safety of our sport. On March 2, 2009, we announced a series of groundbreaking new rules and policies designed to enhance the safety and welfare of jockeys and horses competing at Churchill Downs Incorporated facilities. These measures will be in place at Churchill Downs racetrack in advance of the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands on Saturday, May 2, and will include unprecedented standardized third-party testing of track surfaces and comprehensive testing of all winning horses for more than 100 prohibited drugs.
During your next visit to Churchill Downs, we encourage you to visit our interactive Safety Center, which utilizes audio, video and actual material and equipment samples to educate fans about the numerous policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety, security and well-being of horses and riders at the track. In the meantime, use the links below to navigate through our virtual “Safety from Start to Finish” exhibit.
* Press Release - Safety Initiatives Announced (March 2, 2009)
* Press Release - Churchill Receives NTRA Accreditation (April 9, 2009)
* Churchill Downs accreditation application (PDF)
* Pre-Race Safety
* In-Race Safety
* Post-Race Safety
* Other Important Safety Initiatives
The safety initiatives detailed above will be implemented at Churchill Downs effective opening day of its 2009 Spring Meet on Saturday, April 25, and will be phased in at all other Company racetracks -- Arlington Park in Arlington Heights, Ill.; Calder Race Course in Miami Gardens, Fla.; and Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in New Orleans -- by the start of their respective 2010 race meets.
