Churchill Re-accredited by Safety Alliance

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association announced that Churchill Downs has earned re-accreditation from the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance.

The Louisville, Ky., track opens its spring meet Saturday, April 30, one week prior to the 142nd running of the $2 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) on May 7. Other highlights of the 38-day spring meet include the $1 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) on May 6 and the $500,000 Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I) for top older horses on June 18.

The re-accreditation of Churchill Downs was the culmination of a lengthy process that began with the track's completion of an extensive written application and continued as the track hosted several meetings with Alliance officials. An on-site review included inspections of all facets of the racing operations. Interviews were conducted with track executives, racetrack personnel, jockeys, owners, trainers, veterinarians, stewards and regulators.

The inspection team was comprised of security consultant Jim Cain, veterinary and regulatory consultant Dr. Ron Jensen, security and integrity consultant Mike Kilpack, racetrack operations consultant Richard Lewis, and Steve Koch, executive director of the Organization of Racetrack Investigators.

Alliance certification standards address an extensive list of safety and integrity concerns within six broad areas: injury reporting and prevention; creating a safer racing environment; aftercare and transition of retired racehorses; uniform medication and testing; safety research; and wagering security.

"The health and safety of our athletes, both equine and human, is of utmost importance to all of us at Churchill Downs," said Kevin Flanery, president of Churchill Downs. "We're proud to participate in the accreditation program, and have since its inception, as it is a true demonstration of our commitment to safety and integrity."

The flagship property of Churchill Downs Inc. was the first racetrack to receive accreditation in 2009, the Alliance's inaugural year. All accreditations and reaccreditations carry an effective period of two years.

"Churchill Downs racetrack truly embraces the joint mission of safety and integrity and that emphasis is evident throughout their excellent facilities and many 'Best Practice' operations," said Koch. "We are proud to have Churchill as a fully accredited member of the Safety & Integrity Alliance."

Churchill Downs is one of 23 racing facilities fully accredited by the Alliance that together host 94% of grade I stakes and attract more than 70% of North American pari-mutuel handle. The others are Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, Canterbury Park, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack, Golden Gate Fields, Gulfstream Park, Gulfstream Park West, Indiana Grand, Keeneland, Kentucky Downs, Laurel Park, Los Alamitos Race Course, Monmouth Park, Pimlico Race Course, Santa Anita Park, Saratoga Race Course, Suffolk Downs, Sunland Park, Turfway Park and Woodbine.