The New York Times Presents, April 26, 2024, FX, “Broken Horses”

The upcoming episode of The New York Times Presents looks into the world of horse racing, specifically examining the recent crisis of racehorse deaths that has shocked the sport. The episode, titled “Broken Horses,” airing on FX on Friday April 16, explores the systemic issues, questionable practices, and urgent calls for change that have left fans and industry insiders seeking answers.

In the lead-up to the 2023 Kentucky Derby, seven racehorses died at Louisville’s famed Churchill Downs racetrack, with five more deaths occurring in the days after. This unprecedented string of fatalities horrified spectators and intensified pressure on racing officials to address the issue.

The episode will feature New York Times reporters Joe Drape, Melissa Hoppert, Rachel Abrams, and Liz Day, who conducted in-depth investigations into the matter. Through confidential documents, recordings, and exclusive interviews, they delve into the business and political forces that control the sport and resist necessary changes.

Kentucky Derby-winning owner and breeder Arthur Hancock, a longtime critic of the sport’s integrity and medication policies says there is a need to “get rid of the bad actors in the sport and […] all these drugs.”

The episode will shine a light on reckless breeding and doping practices, compromised veterinarians and trainers, and the concerns of fans who are drawn to the beauty and pageantry of horse racing but worry about the sport’s future in light of these recent crises.

The New York Times Presents is a series of standalone documentaries that showcase the journalism and insight of The New York Times.

“Broken Horses” is sure to spark further discussion and scrutiny of the horse racing industry, as it continues to grapple with recent scandals and safety concerns.

The New York Times Presents: Broken Horses airs on FX at 10.00 pm on Friday, April 26, 2024.