Eight horses recently died in the lead up to and since the Kentucky Derby. For decades, animal rights activists have called for a ban, saying reforms have failed.
Last weekend, amid the fancy hats and tails, a new Kentucky Derby champion was crowned at Louisville’s Churchill Downs Racetrack in the iconic race’s 149th running. Underdog Mage pulled off an unexpected victory to push favorite Angel of Empire to a third-place finish and deliver his jockey, Javier Castellano, his first Derby win. However, this.
The deaths of seven horses ahead of the Kentucky Derby renewed calls to ban the sport and raised debate over whether it can continue without dramatic changes.