The Kentucky Derby was plunged into turmoil 48 hours before America's biggest horse race after a trainer was suspended indefinitely following a spate of horse deaths.
Saffie Joseph Jr was due to saddle Lord Miles in the £2.5 million contest but learned on Thursday that he was no longer welcome at Churchill Downs after two of his horses were among four horses to suffer fatal injuries since the meeting began.
Joseph, who is based in Florida, had already agreed to scratch all of his planned runners, except Lord Miles, after news emerged that Parents Pride and Chasing Artie had collapsed and died with their cause of death unknown.
Churchill Downs management then took matters out of his hands by issuing an immediate suspension of the trainer from all its tracks.
“Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”) announced today the indefinite suspension of trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. until further notice,” a statement said.
“The suspension prohibits Joseph, or any trainer directly or indirectly employed by Joseph, from entering horses in races or applying for stall occupancy at all CDI-owned racetracks.
“CDI’s decision follows the highly-unusual sudden deaths of two horses trained by Joseph at Churchill Downs Racetrack: Parents Pride on Saturday and Chasing Artie on Tuesday.
“Lord Miles, trained by Joseph, has been scratched from Saturday’s 149th running of the Kentucky Derby.”
Bill Mudd, President and Chief Operating Officer of CDI, said: “Given the unexplained sudden deaths, we have reasonable concerns about the condition of his horses, and decided to suspend him indefinitely until details are analyzed and understood.
“The safety of our equine and human athletes and integrity of our sport is our highest priority. We feel these measures are our duty and responsibility.”
