Churchill Downs Incorporated Names Dr. Dana Stead Equine Safety and Integrity Veterinarian

Jan 31, 2024 Kevin Kerstein

Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI” or the “Company”) announced today that Dr. Dana Stead, DVM, has been named Equine Safety and Integrity Veterinarian for the Company. In this role, Dr. Stead will provide essential veterinarian support and oversight at all CDI-owned racetracks including the Company’s flagship Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Stead joins CDI’s Equine Medical Director Dr. William Farmer, DVM, in fulfilling a core commitment to equine safety at the Company’s Thoroughbred and Standardbred racetracks across the U.S.

“I am excited to be joining the team at Churchill Downs Incorporated in my role as Equine Safety & Integrity Veterinarian,” said Dr. Stead. “I look forward to working together with the horsemen and women across all of CDI’s properties and am dedicated to promoting and ensuring the well-being and safety of each of our equine and human athletes.”

Dr. Stead brings over 16 years of experience in equine veterinary medicine and a wealth of industry knowledge to the role. Prior to joining CDI, Dr. Stead was the owner and operator of his own veterinary practice and was the racing veterinarian for multiple California based racetracks including Santa Anita Park and Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. During that time, his responsibilities ranged from conducting pre-race examinations, emergency triage and serving as the racing veterinary supervisor for 25,000 races, with over 200,000 starters. Dr. Stead has also been a member of the Breeders’ Cup veterinary team for 14 of the last 15 international events. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Stead to our equine veterinary team,” said Bill Mudd, President and COO of CDI. “Dr. Stead will be instrumental to CDI’s commitment to equine safety at all of our racetracks and we look forward to his important contributions as we prepare for the 150th Kentucky Derby.”

Dr. Stead will begin his new role on February 5.