Horse death toll increases to seven at Churchill Downs, sparking more controversy at the Kentucky Derby

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Two more horses died in the hours before 15-1 shot Mage won the Kentucky Derby Saturday, increasing this week's death count at Churchill Downs to seven. 

The alarming number of horse deaths cast a shadow over the 149th edition of the world's most famous race.

Chloe's Dream, a 3-year-old gelding that ran on the Derby undercard, was hauled away by a van and later euthanized Saturday morning. 

Freezing Point, a 3-year-old colt, was then pulled from the Pat Day Mile race just hours before the start of the main event. The horse later received a lethal injection.

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People react as they watch the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 6, 2023, in Louisville, Ky.  (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

A total of five horses were also suspended from the Kentucky Derby.

The deaths during Derby week have increased the scrutiny of the sport as it continues to deal with doping suspensions.

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The ongoing issues within the sport have also caught the attention of people attending the Derby.

"It’s concerning, and I hope they’re quickly trying the best they can to correct whatever’s going on," said Michael Freeze, who dressed up as a jockey. "They need to do whatever is best for the horses and the sport in general."

Mage had only one victory in three previous races before holding off 9-1 shot Two Phil's in the stretch. The colt, who didn't race as a 2-year-old, ran 1¼ miles in 2:01.57 under Javier Castellano.

The 45-year-old Hall of Fame jockey, who hasn't been as in demand lately, snapped an 0-for-15