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Two of trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. horses have died in recent days. As a result, all of Joseph's entries have been scratched from this weekend's races at Churchill Downs. Joseph, Jr. has been suspended indefinitely.
Churchill Downs Incorporated announced May 4 the indefinite suspension of trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. until further notice. The suspension prohibits Joseph, or any trainer directly or indirectly employed by Joseph, from entering horses in races or applying for stall occupancy at all CDI-owned racetracks.
CDI's decision follows the highly unusual sudden deaths of two horses trained by Joseph at Churchill Downs: Parents Pride on Saturday and Chasing Artie on Tuesday.
The Joseph-trained horse Lord Miles was slated to participate in Saturday evening's Kentucky Derby but has now been scratched.
Seems like a lot to unpack here. What are the chances his other horses at Keeneland have been tested? https://t.co/sfVllMZB3d
— Michael Dempsey (@turfplayup) May 4, 2023
"Given the unexplained sudden deaths, we have reasonable concerns about the condition of his horses, and decided to suspend him indefinitely until details are analyzed and understood," said Bill Mudd, president and chief operating officer of CDI. "The safety of our equine and human athletes and integrity of our sport is our highest priority. We feel these measures are our duty and responsibility."
Back in March, Joseph was suspended for 15 days due to his horse Artie's Princess training positive for Gabapentin. That test was conducted after her win in the Grade 2 Presque Isle Downs Masters Stakes on Sept. 19, 2022. The final decision was made months later.
The Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission also ordered the disqualification of Artie's Princess, as well as purse redistribution; Cafe Society will now be listed as the race winner for trainer Shug McGaughey.
Gabapentin is a nerve pain medication which has been studied in horses for the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain.
There were your current 2023 Kentucky Derby betting odds....
1 Hit Show 30-1
2 Verifying 15-1
3 Two Phil's 12-1
4 Confidence Game 20-1
5 Tapit Trice 5-1
6 Kingsbarns 12-1
7 Reincarnate 50-1
8 Mage 15-1
9 Skinner 20-1
10 Practical Move 10-1
10 Disarm 30-1
11 Jace's Road 15-1
12 Sun Thunder 50-1
13 Angel of Empire 8-1
14 Forte 3-1
15 Raise Cain 50-1
16 Derma Sotogake 10-1
17 Rocket Can 30-1
18 Lord Miles 30-1
19 Continuar 50-1
20 Cyclone Mischief 30-1
- Tony Caliente, Gambling911.com
