Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. Suspended, Two of His Horses Die, Lord Miles Pulled

Written by:
Tony Caliente
Published on:
May/04/2023

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. 

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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.

"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....

Live Odds Here

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

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