Ahead of Kentucky Derby, worker shortage looms for trainers

FILE - In this May 6, 2020 file photo a statue of Barbaro is silhouetted at the entrance of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. The Trump administration’s immigration squeeze and the hardships caused by the coronavirus pandemic threaten to leave the horse racing industry short of workers, racing officials warn as they prepare for a reconfigured Kentucky Derby. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, file)

FILE - In this April 19, 2017 file photo, barn worker Jose Cesada, an immigrant worker in the United States on an H-2B visa, rakes the cool down path at the barn of trainer Dale Romans on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. The Trump administration’s immigration squeeze and the hardships caused by the coronavirus pandemic threaten to leave the horse racing industry short of workers, racing officials warn as they prepare for a reconfigured Kentucky Derby. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley, File)

FILE - In this May 3, 2017 file photo, trainer Dale Romans talks about his Kentucky Derby entrant, J Boys Echo, drawing post position No. 13 for Saturday's race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. The Trump administration’s immigration squeeze and the hardships caused by the coronavirus pandemic threaten to leave the horse racing industry short of workers, racing officials warn as they prepare for a reconfigured Kentucky Derby.(AP Photo/Garry Jones)

FILE - In this April 19, 2017 file photo, groom Cesar Abrego gives a bath to one of the horses being trained by Dale Romans following his morning workout at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Abrego came from Guatemala on an H-2B visa. The Trump administration’s immigration squeeze and the hardships caused by the coronavirus pandemic threaten to leave the horse racing industry short of workers, racing officials warn as they prepare for a reconfigured Kentucky Derby. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)