May 4 (UPI) -- Churchill Downs on Thursday took the unprecedented step of suspending a Kentucky Derby trainer just two days before the race, citing the "highly unusual, unexplained deaths" of two of his horses.
The track's suspension of trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., followed the scratch of his Derby starter, Lord Miles, on the order of state racing officials.
"Given the unexplained sudden deaths, we have reasonable concerns about the condition of his horses, and decided to suspend [Joseph] indefinitely until details are analyzed and understood," said Bill Mudd, president and chief operating officer of Churchill Downs Inc.
"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.
Meet the 20 horses racing in Saturday's Kentucky Derby
