WASHINGTON—Keith Dane, senior director of Equine Protection at the Humane Society of the United States, released the following statement regarding the race at Churchill Downs:
"The absence of horse deaths at the Kentucky Derby is welcome news, not least because it demonstrates what is possible under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's oversight. However, zero-tolerance for horse deaths must be the norm at all racing venues, not just at high-profile events. Every horse, every race, must be safe. That's got to be priority number one for American racing."