Jockeys’ union regional manager Javier Torres highlighted a positive outcome from last week’s ambulance incident at Evangeline Downs. On November 22, a fast Quarter Horse narrowly avoided collision with an ambulance moving along the inside rail at the Opelousas, Louisiana racetrack. Although no injuries occurred, the race was declared a “no contest” by judges.
The event prompted a safety meeting on November 28 involving jockeys, Acadian Emergency Services (paramedics and supervisors), racetrack officials, and senior management from Evangeline Downs, which is operated by Boyd Gaming. It was decided that ambulances would no longer follow the horses during the race. Instead, two ambulances are now stationed at fixed points: one at the quarter pole chute and another on the backstretch.
Torres explained that if a rider falls, an outrider or steward will notify the ambulance driver of the location. He referenced a Churchill Downs study showing that having two ambulances positioned around the track resulted in quicker response times than one trailing behind the race.
Another immediate change was prohibiting paramedics unfamiliar with racetrack operations from driving ambulances during races. The driver involved on November 22 had limited racetrack experience, which contributed to the incident. Now, only seasoned paramedics with racetrack expertise are permitted to drive.
Weekly safety meetings between ambulance companies and stewards will be held to assess response times and implement adjustments. Torres confirmed that the jockeys at the meeting felt reassured by the measures introduced, stating, “Overall, something good came out of a bad situation.”
Meanwhile, the Louisiana Horse Racing Commission is conducting its own investigation, though its executive director, Stephen Landry, did not respond to inquiries about the event. David Straw, Boyd Gaming’s vice president of corporate communications, emphasized the company’s commitment to jockey and horse safety and confirmed collaboration with the ambulance service and racing commission for a thorough investigation.
Fan Take: This incident underscores the critical importance of safety protocols in horse racing, reminding fans that even split-second errors can jeopardize lives. The swift action and new safety measures at Evangeline Downs could set a precedent, enhancing protection for both jockeys and horses across the sport.
