Ramiro Castillo has been barred from racing or training at Los Alamitos after five horses under his supervision died since he took over in March 2025. Castillo had been expected to compete in the Champion of Champions Stakes in Los Angeles with two Grade 1-winning Quarter Horses, Stanley Cartel and Scoops Dynasty, who have now been transferred to trainer Luke Lindsay. Castillo assumed control of Monty Arossa’s stable after Arossa was suspended, and since then has secured 30 wins from 180 starts at Los Alamitos, earning over $900,000, including victories in three Grade 1 quarter horse races at the Cypress, California track.
Two horses previously trained by Arossa tested positive for carmoterol, a banned bronchodilator not approved by the FDA, during major 2024 futures races and time trials. This led to charges by the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB), although the case remains unresolved. So far, 12 of Arossa’s horses have been disqualified for testing positive for carmoterol, prompting Los Alamitos to use stall application rules to ban Arossa from Southern California racetracks.
Since Castillo took over Alosa’s stables, five horses have died: Champion’s Run was euthanized following injury in the Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity Trial on November 23; Warm Springs collapsed and died after winning the Golden State Million Futurity Trial on October 4; El Vigilante and Dr. Hess Southern died from gastrointestinal issues on May 22 and August 19, respectively; and Apolitical Maverick’s cause of death on November 27 remains undetermined. On Monday, Los Alamitos invoked the same stall application clause to ban Castillo from racing or training at their track.
Los Alamitos stated the decision came after thorough investigations, consultations, and legal considerations, ensuring Castillo was properly notified. Despite CHRB not filing formal charges against Castillo, the series of fatalities led CHRB officials to warn Los Alamitos in late November that they might hold an emergency hearing to suspend the racetrack’s license unless it makes major improvements to its safety protocols and drastically reduces injuries.
For additional details, see Daily Racing Form.
Fan Take: This development is critical for horse racing enthusiasts because it highlights ongoing concerns about horse safety and regulatory oversight. The banning of a prominent trainer underscores the sport’s urgent need to address animal welfare issues to maintain its integrity and public trust.
