LEXINGTON, Ky. — Churchill Downs Inc. was fined $15,000 today for a rules violation at the starting gate of last month's Kentucky Derby.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority announced the fine during its meeting Tuesday. The allegation involves assistant starter Clinton Beck, who loaded Pyro into the gate. Pyro finished eighth in the race.

Under racing rules, trainers of the Derby horses aren't supposed to have prior knowledge of which assistant starter will load their horse into the gate. Pyro trainer Steve Asmussen had requested that Beck be used to handle Pyro.

The racing authority's action only applied to Churchill Downs Inc. It took no action against Asmussen. However, authority executive director Lisa Underwood said an investigation is ongoing.