Two more horses died at Churchill Downs ahead of Kentucky Derby

Two more horses died at Churchill Downs on Saturday, just hours before the Kentucky Derby was set to run.

According to the Associated Press, a 3-year-old horse named Chloe's Dream took a bad step in the second race of the day when leaving the first turn and had to be euthanized with a right front knee injury.

That horse was the sixth to die at Churchill Downs this week alone. Earlier in the week, it was reported that multiple horses had to be euthanized due to injuries, while another two had died from unknown causes. 

Mere hours later, the Associated Press (via Yahoo Sports) reported a 3-year-old colt named Freezing Point also died. Like Chloe's Dream, Freezing Point was euthanized after suffering an injury during an early race.

It continued what has been a hectic Saturday at the storied race track as the leading favorite for the Derby, Forte, was scratched due to a bruised foot. Forte suffered the bruised foot earlier in the week, but concerns over its status for the race were initially downplayed. 

Along with Forte, there have already been five horses pulled from the race, making it the first time since 1936 that many horses have been scratched before the race begins.

The injuries, the scratches from the Derby and the multiple horse deaths have put the track and the sport of horse racing under an intense microscope. 

Churchill Downs issued a statement this week saying, “While a series of events like this is highly unusual, it is completely unacceptable. We take this very seriously and acknowledge that these troubling incidents are alarming and must be addressed.” 

Officials added that they are working with regulators to conduct swift and thorough investigations.