Kentucky Derby: Horse deaths overshadow Mage victory

Mage's triumph was a archetypal successful the contention for jockey Javier Castellano astatine the 16th attempt

Mage won the 149th Kentucky Derby arsenic America's astir celebrated contention was overshadowed by the decease of 7 horses successful the build-up.

Earlier successful the week trainer Saffie Joseph Jr was suspended aft 2 of his horses died.

"It is with the utmost sadness that we study these tragic fatal injuries," contention organisers said.

"Churchill Downs is unwavering successful our committedness to the wellness and wellbeing of equine safety."

As good arsenic Parents Pride and Chasing Artie - some trained by Joseph Jr - Wild connected Ice, Take Charge Briana and Code of Kings besides died this week.

Animal rights radical Peta said that, fixed the fig of deaths, they had urged Churchill Downs to adjacent the way successful bid to instrumentality stronger information protocols.

Favourite Forte was among the horses removed from the contention aboriginal connected Saturday, leaving lone 18 runners, the smallest tract since 2020.

Two Phil's, trained by Larry Rivelli and ridden by Jareth Loveberry, finished 2nd and Angel of Empire, trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Flavien Prat, was third.

The Grand National was marred by the deaths of 3 horses crossed the three-day lawsuit successful April.

The commencement of that contention was delayed by 14 minutes aft carnal rights activists entered the track, portion Hill Sixteen died aft falling astatine the archetypal fence.