Please read: Churchill Downs safety initiatives in effect this spring

From Churchill Downs (Coady Photography photo: Mr. Money winning the 2019 Pat Day Mile):  

Horsemen Notification  Of Equine Safety Initiatives

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There have been several equine safety initiatives that have been implemented for the 2020 Spring Meet at Churchill Downs.  Below are the changes and how they affect you.

1. Horsemen-Veterinarian Agreement:  This must be signed and submitted to the Stable Office upon arrival.  This one-time document will cover the 2020 Spring Meet.  Please make sure you and your veterinarian sign prior to turning it in.
2. Medication-restricted races: Pursuant to KHRC regulation 810 KAR 8:050 all two (2) year-old races will be conducted Lasix-free.  Please consult with your veterinarian, Churchill Downs Equine Medical Director (Dr. Farmer), or the KHRC if you have any questions regarding this regulation.  
3. Pre-Entry Exam: All horses must have an exam performed by your veterinarian within the three (3) days preceding a race entry, per Horsemen-Veterinarian Agreement.  This exam is to be documented by your veterinarian and he/she will include their findings on their daily treatment records submitted to the KHRC  
4. Pre-Work Exam: All horses must have an exam performed by your veterinarian within the five (5) days preceding a timed workout, per Horsemen-Veterinarian Agreement.  This exam is to be documented by your veterinarian and he/she will include their findings on their daily treatment records submitted to the KHRC  
5. In-Today Signage:  All horses entered to race must be clearly identified starting at 7:30am on race day with an “In-Today” sign.  Trainers should hang these signs on the stall door or adjacent to the stall.  This is separate from the KHRC Lasix tag hung following lasix administration.  Extra signs are available in the Stable Office.  
6. Entry Restrictions:  All first time starters 4yrs old and older or with no race within 365 day are required to have an exam and published work approved by the CD Equine Medical Director PRIOR to entry.  In addition, horses that have not raced within 120 days but less than 365 days must notify the CD Equine Medical Director PRIOR to entry to schedule an exam. 
7. Waiver Claiming Rule: Allows a trainer to enter a claiming race, but be ineligible to be claimed providing the horse has been laid off and has not started for a minimum of 180 days since its last race, and the horse is entered for a claiming price equal to or greater than the price at which it last started. Please see condition book for more details.

Please direct all questions to:  

CDI Equine Medical Director: Dr. Will Farmer 502.638.3995                                                                                                                                        CD Racing Secretary: Ben Huffman 502.638.3820