Churchill Downs has been spooked by the four horses of the apocalypse. During the week leading up to what is each year’s most watched race, the Kentucky Derby, four steeds up and died at the famous track, so cue up the PETA crowd protests. 

There are whispers that animal rights groups are in fact planning to interrupt the traditions of the first Saturday in May, a day of glory for the hat and Julep crowd of pony watchers. Activists could aim to spoil the party while the entire nation awaits the first jewel of racing’s triple crown and places its bets.