During the 17-day Keeneland fall meet from October 3 to 25, a significant number of horses faced health issues impacting their ability to race. Specifically, 33 horses were scratched by the regulatory vet for being injured or unsound, 31 were withdrawn by private vets due to illness or injury, and 12 horses that were claimed before races were returned to their sellers after finishing races physically compromised. Several horses were reported to have returned lame or were injured in the paddock or starting gate, highlighting the physical toll of racing beyond just fatalities.

The article emphasizes that the concerns extend beyond the deaths of horses during the meet—though there were at least two racing-related fatalities at Keeneland—pointing to broader welfare issues such as injuries sustained during routine race activities. This underscores ongoing animal welfare challenges in horse racing, where injuries and physical compromise are common and often underreported.