The 144th Kentucky Derby will take place May 5 at Churchill Downs, in Louisville. | Photo: Abbie Myers/Wikimedia Commons

Churchill Downs Racetrack, in Louisville, Kentucky, announced its enhanced security measures for horses competing in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I) and Longines Kentucky Oaks (Grade I), along with ongoing safety and integrity measures included in its “Safety from Start to Finish” program.

“Integrity and maximizing the safety and welfare of our athletes are of great importance to us, and it’s imperative to reaffirm our lasting and comprehensive commitments to these very real and important issues,” said Churchill Downs Racetrack President Kevin Flanery. “When it comes to integrity and making racing safer for every race, every day, we remain optimistic that the bar will continue to be raised by all stakeholders.”

In addition to all other applicable state laws and track policies, Churchill Downs Racetrack and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) have teamed to mandate the following protocols for horses competing in the Kentucky Derby and Longines Kentucky Oaks