Churchill Downs Suspends Joseph Indefinitely
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Photo: Chad B. Harmon
Saffie Joseph Jr. meets with the media at Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs Inc. announced May 4 the indefinite suspension of trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. until further notice. The suspension prohibits Joseph, or any trainer directly or indirectly employed by Joseph, from entering horses in races or applying for stall occupancy at all CDI-owned racetracks.
CDI's decision follows the highly unusual sudden deaths of two horses trained by Joseph at Churchill Downs: Parents Pride on Saturday and Chasing Artie on Tuesday. Lord Miles, trained by Joseph, has been scratched from Saturday's 149th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1).
"Given the unexplained sudden deaths, we have reasonable concerns about the condition of his horses, and decided to suspend him indefinitely until details are analyzed and understood," said Bill Mudd, president and chief operating officer of CDI. "The safety of our equine and human athletes and integrity of our sport is our highest priority. We feel these measures are our duty and responsibility."