Coverage dated May 3, 2023

Kentucky Derby lead-up marred by "unacceptable" horse deaths

Headline from Newsweek

Two horses were euthanized following injuries sustained on the track, while causes for two other horses' deaths have yet to be determined.

Newsweek's own description from its feed. We collect headlines and these descriptions, not full articles; read the original reporting below.

Read the reports

Reports & sources

12 articles, oldest first.

France 24
Churchill Downs horse deaths cloud Kentucky Derby build-up (opens France 24)
Published May 3, 2023
France 24's feed description
The deaths of four horses at Churchill Downs in the space of a week have cast a cloud over Saturday's Kentucky Derby, with racetrack officials saying Wednesday the situation is "unacceptable."
Newsweek
Kentucky Derby lead-up marred by "unacceptable" horse deaths (opens Newsweek)
Published May 3, 2023
Newsweek's feed description
Two horses were euthanized following injuries sustained on the track, while causes for two other horses' deaths have yet to be determined.
Washington Times
Churchill Downs investigates four horse deaths ahead of Kentucky Derby (opens Washington Times)
Published May 3, 2023
Washington Times's feed description
The death of four horses at Churchill Downs over a span of five days has overshadowed preparations for the Kentucky Derby.
ABC 27 Harrisburg
4 horse deaths at Churchill Downs under investigation ahead of Kentucky Derby (opens ABC 27 Harrisburg)
Published May 3, 2023
ABC 27 Harrisburg's feed description
The death of four horses at Churchill Downs over a span of five days has overshadowed preparations for the Kentucky Derby.
Wall Street Journal
Four Horse Deaths at Churchill Downs Cast Shadow Ahead of Kentucky Derby (opens Wall Street Journal)
Published May 3, 2023
Wall Street Journal's feed description
The racetrack called the deaths unusual and unacceptable.
WSVN Miami
Churchill Downs: After four horses die, home of Kentucky Derby calls circumstances ‘unacceptable’ and ‘troubling’ (opens WSVN Miami)
Published May 3, 2023
WSVN Miami's feed description
(CNN) — Officials from the Churchill Downs racetrack, the home of the famed Kentucky Derby, have described the recent deaths of four horses as “unacceptable”...
WDTN Dayton
Four horses dead just days ahead of Kentucky Derby (opens WDTN Dayton)
Published May 3, 2023
WDTN Dayton's feed description
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — Churchill Downs is speaking out after four horses were reported dead, just days before the Kentucky Derby. On Wednesday, May 3, the horse racetrack released information …
CBS News
2 horses mysteriously die during Kentucky Derby Week, 2 more euthanized after injuries (opens CBS News)
Published May 3, 2023
CBS News's feed description
Churchill Downs Racetrack in a statement called the deaths "highly unusual" and "completely unacceptable."
WTOP Washington DC
Churchill Downs investigates 4 horse deaths ahead of Derby (opens WTOP Washington DC)
Published May 3, 2023
WTOP Washington DC's feed description
The death of four horses at Churchill Downs over a span of five days has overshadowed preparations for the Kentucky Derby.
Washington Times
Churchill Downs horse deaths probed while two others get loose (opens Washington Times)
Published May 3, 2023
Washington Times's feed description
Investigators have yet to find any cause in the deaths of four horses over the past week at Churchill Downs, including two from the same barn within 72 hours, casting a pall over final preparations for the Kentucky Derby on Saturday.
New York Post
Churchill Downs calls death of horses ‘unacceptable’ ahead of Kentucky Derby (opens New York Post)
Published May 3, 2023
New York Post's feed description
The track has opened an investigation into the tragic circumstances.
The Daily Caller
Four Horses Die At Churchill Downs Just Days Before Kentucky Derby (opens The Daily Caller)
Published May 3, 2023
The Daily Caller's feed description
Since last week, a total of four horses have died at Churchill Downs after running, and this just days before the iconic track's prestigious Kentucky Derby.