released : 19 May 2023 at 09: 10 Kentucky Derby winner Mage peers out from his stall at Pimlico Race Course ahead of the 148th running of the Preakness Stakes. (Photo: AFP) WASHINGTON – The horse deaths at Churchill Downs that cast a pall over the Kentucky Derby continue to raise issues as Mage contends for the 2nd leg of UnitedStates racing’s desired Triple Crown in the Preakness Stakes on Saturday. Mage, experienced by Gustavo Delgado and ridden by jockey Javier Castellano — both from Venezuela — out-dueled Two Phil’s down the stretch to endedupbeing the 4th horse to win the Kentucky Derby off simply 3 prior profession begins. The typical ecstatic speculation about whether Mage can follow up in the 1 3-16-mile Preakness at Pimlico in Baltimore hasactually been more soft as UnitedStates racing onceagain battles with problems of horse security. Seven horses passedaway in the area of 10 days at Churchill Downs, consistingof 2 on Kentucky Derby day on May 6, and another colt was euthanized after suffering a leg injury on Sunday to bring the overall number of horse deaths at the renowned Kentucky track to 8 in a matter of weeks. Kentucky racing authorities suspended fitnessinstructor Saffie Joseph, who had 2 horses collapse and die for unidentified factors, and they likewise scratched Derby preferred Forte hours priorto the race since of issues over a hoof contusion. Forte, experienced by Todd Pletcher
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