LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Two horses running in the first eight races Saturday at Churchill Downs were euthanized following injures sustained on the track.

Chloe's Dream, a 3-year-old gelding running in the second race of the day, took a bad step leaving the first turn and was taken off in an equine ambulance. He suffered a right front knee injury and was euthanized, trainer Jeff Hiles confirmed to The Associated Press.

"He just took a bad step out there," Hiles said. "They could do the same thing running in the field as they could on the track. So it's very unfortunate. That's what we deal with."

Hours later, 3-year-old Freezing Point was pulled up by jockey Corey Lanerie on the backstretch during the Pat Day Mile. He was euthanized shortly thereafter, trainer Joe Lejzerowicz told the AP. Lejzerowicz said Fort Bragg, who finished third, came over and slammed into Freezing Point during the race.

"He just got bumped in the backstretch," Lejzerowicz said. "He never took a bad step or bobble. He had a big heart."

Those two make for seven horses who've died at Churchill Downs in the last 10 days. 

A Derby qualifier, Wild on Ice, had to be euthanized after training April 27. On Churchill’s opening night of racing, a Saffie Joseph Jr.-trained horse died from unknown causes after collapsing, and another trainer’s horse died in the paddock, flipping after apparently becoming distracted by lights on a DJ stage, according to The Daily Racing Form. He flipped again as they tried to remove his saddle, and was euthanized at an equine hospital after sustaining a broken neck.

On Tuesday, another Joseph horse died mysteriously, ultimately leading to his indefinite suspension from Churchill Downs. And a D. Wayne Lukas filly had to be euthanized after flipping multiple times upon stumbling in traffic on the turf course.

Another five horses have been scratched from the Kentucky Derby due to fevers or various leg injuries.

Churchill Downs released a statement Saturday night about the two fatal injuries:

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Saturday, May 6, 2023) – "Two horses sustained severe injuries during today’s Churchill Downs race card. Chloe’s Dream suffered a right knee fracture in Race 2 at the top of the first turn. Freezing Point incurred a left front biaxial sesamoid fracture in Race 8 midway down the backstretch. In the interest of pursuing the most humane treatment for each horse, the owner, trainer and private veterinarian, in consultation with a board-certified equine surgeon, made the difficult decision to euthanize. We express our most sincere condolences to those connections who cared for and loved Chloe’s Dream and Freezing Point.

It is with the utmost sadness that we report these tragic fatal injuries. Churchill Downs is unwavering in our commitment to the health and well-being of equine safety. The equine fatalities leading to this year’s Kentucky Derby are a sobering reminder of the urgent need to mobilize our industry in order to explore every avenue possible and effectively minimize any avoidable risk in the sport.

Despite our determination to continually improve upon the highest industry standards, there is more to be done and we will rigorously work to understand what caused these incidents and build upon our existing data, programs and practices to better understand what has been incredibly difficult for us to witness and accept this week.

While each incident reported has been unique, it is important to note that there has been no discernable pattern detected in the injuries sustained. Our track surfaces are closely monitored by industry experts to ensure their integrity. Each horse that participates in racing at Churchill Downs must undergo multiple, comprehensive veterinarian exams and observations to ensure their fitness to race.

From here, we will fully and actively work with the Kentucky Horseracing Commission (KHRC) and the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) to thoroughly investigate each incident to determine, to the degree possible, any underlying health or environmental causes and apply those learnings to continue to improve the safety of this sport. Together, we all want what is best for the horses.

The team at Churchill Downs works year-round to deliver an inspiring and world-class event to thousands of fans, but also to provide the safest racing environment each and every day. We are proud of the enduring legacy of the Kentucky Derby and these magnificent horses are central to its iconic appeal. While we believe the incidents leading to this year’s Derby are anomalies, they are unacceptable and we remain steadfast in our commitment to safety and integrity."

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Copyright 2023 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.