The press release has been edited
Churchill Downs Incorporated established the “Safety from Start to Finish” program in March 2009 to formalize a comprehensive approach to continuously improving health and safety policies and procedures for horses and people work, train, compete, and attend racing events at Churchill Downs Racetrack.
Following a comprehensive review of existing safety procedures and a thorough review of industry best practices in June 2023, Churchill Downs implemented several key enhancements to its Safety Program from start to finish for 2024, including:
-Invest in Surface Management: To further maximize surface monitoring and consistency, new and upgraded equipment including harrows, tractors and graders are equipped with entry-level technology has been integrated into the track maintenance process.
-Enhanced veterinary oversight: Dr. Dana Stead has been added to CDI's qualified veterinary team, led by Dr. Will Farmer, as an Equine Safety and Integrity Veterinarian, to provide additional specialized equine care and supervision as well as support the development and enforcement of the CDI equine safety protocol.
-Collaboration with industry experts: Coordinated work continues with HISA and other industry experts to identify horses at risk and potential safety threat factors using medical records veterinary medicine, computer modeling and advanced analytical techniques.
-Establishment of a Safety Management Committee: Comprised of a cross-section of horsemen including trainers, exercisers, jockeys, track stewards and veterinarians, the organized mobilization of This group allows for regular weekly meetings throughout the live race to promote candid open dialogue. Discuss observations or concerns and provide real-time feedback on areas needing improvement.
-Technology deployed: As an industry leader, Churchill Downs is investing in new technologies to help identify horses that may pose an increased risk.
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This story was posted in Top news and tagged CDI, Churchill Downs, Dr. Dana Stead, Kentucky Derby, Kentucky oak, Safe from start to finish, veterinary supervision.
