One down, but many more to go in a process designed to never hit the finish line.

The accreditation of Churchill Downs by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance is being called a major accomplishment by the officials involved, but they also acknowledge it’s just the beginning. Safety and integrity standards will change, and compliance will be reviewed at least every two years.

The accreditation process isn’t perfect. But for now, Churchill, which in three weeks will host the first leg of the Triple Crown, has more than met the criteria issued by the alliance, said an industry group formed last fall to protect equine and human participants in horse racing.

Churchill was out in front with its own safety initiatives announced in March. The Kentucky track spent about $1 million on the project, which included applying for alliance accreditation