Here Are the Current Lineups for 2024's Biggest Music Festivals
Kentucky Derby Deaths Bring Changes Ahead Of Saturday's Race
BETH HARRIS Associated Press
Memories are made at the Kentucky Derby, most of them good. Whether cashing a winning ticket, sipping mint juleps or marveling at the horses, crowds pack Churchill Downs to experience a bucket list sporting event.
Many left last year in tears, anger and questioning the safety of the sport after 12 horses died at the historic track in the days surrounding the race, including two on Derby day when racing enjoys its biggest attendance and highest TV ratings of the year.
"You can't ever be too safe when it comes to our sport," two-time Derby-winning jockey Mike Smith said.
Deaths occurred at other major racing venues last year, too, in what become a tragic theme for the sport.
The number of deaths in the United States increased slightly in 2023 from the year before, according to data tracked by the Equine Injury Database and reported by HISA. HISA said there were 1.32 deaths per 1,000 starts last year, up from 1.25 the previous year. The number at the 50 HISA-accredited tracks was 1.23 per 1,000, compared with 1.63 at others across the country.
People are also reading…
"We're encouraged by that progress," said Lisa Lazarus, CEO of HISA, "but we certainly have a whole lot more work to do."
A review of 14 horse deaths at Saratoga in upstate New York last summer found no definitive cause for why they happened, although heavy rainfall could have contributed.
Investigations by Churchill Downs and the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) — the sport's new governing body — didn't identify one common cause for the deaths around the Derby.
"When we say that there's not one singular factor that caused the breakdowns, it doesn't mean that we don't know what the risk factors are that contribute to breakdowns," Lazarus said. "Those are things we've been working on very hard."
The deaths prompted Churchill Downs to make several changes to its safety program ahead of the 150th Derby on Saturday.
The track upgraded equipment used to harrow and grade the dirt surface, with increased testing to measure safety and consistency. The cushion is measured in spots around the track and moisture content is checked throughout racing days to decide the watering schedule.
"The track is a lot different than it was. It's got more sand in it now, it's got more base, more cushion," said 88-year-old Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who saddles Just Steel in the Derby. "It's quite a bit deeper. Horses are getting over it good."
Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, who has Resilience in the Derby, likes Churchill's dirt strip when it's dry. There is a 40% chance of rain on Derby day.
"I don't like it as much when it's wet," he said. "It does not handle water as well as it used to, probably because of a lack of sand in it. Hopefully, we get good normal conditions and I think we're looking at a good race track."
The New York Racing Association — which runs the Belmont Stakes, racing's third leg of the Triple Crown — is studying the feasibility of adopting all-weather surfaces at tracks nationwide.
Churchill Downs added an equine safety and integrity veterinarian to help enforce its rules. Fifteen vets from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission joined the track's vet team to observe horses this week before, during and after training and in their stalls after they arrive.
A new safety management committee comprised of trainers, exercise riders, jockeys, track management and vets meets weekly to discuss concerns and provide feedback on areas for improvement.
All horses racing at Churchill Downs wear StrideSAFE biometric sensors that detect changes in their gaits to help spot inconsistencies or early signs of a potential developing injury. The track installed a PET unit for diagnostic imaging, only the second such machine permanently located at a U.S. Racetrack.
Realizing the effect last year's deaths had on the public, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association has launched a national advertising campaign called "Safety Runs First" to explain what the industry is doing to improve equine safety.
NTRA president and CEO Tom Rooney points to HISA, as well as investments in new diagnostic technologies, advanced data analytics and veterinary and track surface protocols, as "a testament to our collective dedication to enhancing safety practices within the industry."
HISA took effect in July 2022 to implement national standards for safety at racetracks, replacing the patchwork rules of the 38 racing states. Its antidoping and medication control program didn't start until late May 2023, after last year's Derby and Preakness, where one of trainer Bob Baffert's horses was injured in a race and was euthanized.
Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. Was suspended and had his Derby horse scratched ahead of last year's race after the sudden deaths of two of his horses at Churchill Downs. He was reinstated when an investigation showed no wrongdoing on his part.
"It proved that we handled things correctly," he said. "Why did it happen? We don't know. We didn't have answers. It knocks you down and it's something you carry the rest of your life. We're thankful to be back."
Joseph will saddle long shot Catalytic on Saturday.
HISA has been dogged by legal challenges from groups of horsemen opposing the new rules and frustration from those eager for national uniform rules in the sport. Still, many see progress being made, even as it's come in fits and starts.
"It's been a little bit sloppy and all over the place," two-time Derby-winning trainer Doug O'Neill said, "but I do think the sport has evolved into a safer sport."
Smith, who isn't participating Saturday but has ridden in a record 28 Derbies, has adjusted to the additional scrutiny.
"It's a wonderful, beautiful, beautiful game, but it can also be very dangerous," he said. "We certainly need all these protocols."
Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Grand Island Day Care Provider Charged With Child Abuse Resulting In Death
A Grand Island day care provider was charged Tuesday with intentional child abuse resulting in death after a 2-month-old infant died at an Omaha hospital.
Bianca Rivera Lima, 27, is accused of causing the death of the child by shaking him, according to an affidavit filed by a Grand Island police investigator. She had previously been charged in Hall County Court with intentional child abuse resulting in injury.
A judge allowed prosecutors from the Hall County Attorney's Office to amend the charge after the child died. He also increased River Lima's bail amount to 10% of $1 million, meaning Rivera Lima must pay $100,000 to be released.
According to the affidavit, Grand Island police were called to a residence in the 300 block of East 16th Street on the north side of the city about 4:30 p.M. On April 22. Officers located a child who was not breathing and was later found to have brain damage.
The boy was flown to Children's Nebraska in Omaha. He was taken off life support over the weekend and died.
Staff at the Omaha hospital, the affidavit said, told police the child's injuries were the result of "severe shaking and/or slamming." An autopsy ordered by the Hall County Attorney will not be available for several weeks, a police spokesman said.
Rivera Lima is scheduled to appear at a preliminary hearing May 23. If a judge finds enough evidence of criminal behavior at that hearing, Rivera Lima will be held for trial in district court. If convicted, she faces up to 50 years in prison.
Yellowstone Visitor, Possibly Drunk, Was Injured After Allegedly Kicking A Bison In The Leg
An Idaho Falls, Idaho, man kicked a bison in the leg while visiting Yellowstone National Park and was arrested for allegedly approaching the bison herd and harassing it while under the influence of alcohol.
Clarence Yoder, 40, sustained minor injuries in the encounter and was charged with being under the influence of alcohol to a degree that may endanger oneself, disorderly conduct as to create or maintain a hazardous condition, and approaching and disturbing wildlife, according to statement Monday from Yellowstone park officials.
Bison herd with calves in Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park.
NPS/Neal HerbertThe incident happened April 21 on the West Entrance Road near the Seven Mile Bridge, located 7 miles east of the park's West Entrance.
Rangers responded to the area after receiving a report that a park visitor had harassed a herd of bison and kicked one in the leg. They located the suspect's vehicle near the West Entrance and stopped it in the town of West Yellowstone.
The vehicle's driver, 37-year-old McKenna Bass, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, was also arrested and cited for driving under the influence, interference for failure to yield to emergency light activation, and disturbing wildlife.
A herd of bison move through the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park.
NPS / Jacob W. FrankPark rangers took Yoder to a nearby medical facility where he was evaluated, treated and released, and then transported him to the Gallatin County Detention Center.
Yoder and Bass appeared in court on April 22 and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Each violation can result in fines up to $5,000 and six months in jail.
The incident remains under investigation.
This is the first reported incident of a visitor being injured by a bison in 2024. The last reported incident occurred on July 17, 2023. There was one reported incident in 2023 and three in 2022.
More of your best national park photos from our Destinations Photo Contest Rock of DemocracyUp close and personal with four rock solid US Presidents. (photo: Mike Ballard)
Lower Falls of the Grand Canyon in Yellowstone National ParkWyoming vacation 2020 - Photo was taken 8/17/20 from the observation platform at the top of the Lower Falls with my Apple phone. Was fortunate to catch the rainbow in the photo, too. (photo: Pamela Mackey)
Jackson Lake ReflectionsTaken early in the morning of Jackson Lake in Grand Tetons National Park. The clear reflection of the lake lasted less than 20 minutes. Tech Data: Nikon D780 + Nikon 24-70 mm F/2.8 lens at 1/500 at F/8, ISO 100. (photo: Delmar Mineard Jr.)
Mom with tripletsSow Coastal Brown bear with triplets at Brooks Lodge Katmai National Park Alaska June 27, 2019. (photo: Paul Jones)
Bryce Canyon National Park in UtahThis place is beautiful the photo truly doesn't do it justice. It's a must see with your own eyes! ❤️ (photo: Nannie Haflin)
Into the Woods at Glacier National ParkIt was a small step "Into the Woods", at Glacier National Park, to see the amazing vegetation and life flourishing beyond the scenic by-way. (photo: Benjamin McGaugh)
Rocky Mountain ReflectionsMills Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO. (photo: Jake Raymer)
A perfect Christmas DaySometimes the best gifts are experiences, Zion National Park for Christmas 2021 (photo: Pam Arthur)
Living FreeWild horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. (photo: Larry Thomas)
Purple HazeLake McDonald in Glacier National Park, Montana. (photo: Julie Nishoff)
Glacier National ParkView from Going to the Sun road (photo: Brianna Pena)
YellowstoneYellowstone National park (photo: Tanya Sharbono)
Famous South Dakota!Famous Mount Rushmore (photo: Wendy Tecca)
Arches National Park in MoabWe had a few hours to get into this park as COVID limited number entering. It was beautiful at sunset. (photo: Ellen Tommasi)
Solitude in Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National ParkA warm summer's day in the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park where a majestic Bison rests in deep thought. (photo: Jules Castiglioni)
Soaking in the wonders of mother natureDelicate Arch Arches National Park (photo: Dan Zadra)
Comments
Post a Comment