Los Alamitos Racetrack in Cypress, California is taking steps to remove a prominent horse owner linked to several horse deaths, according to Scott Cheney, executive director of the California Horse Racing Commission (CHRB). This move follows recent controversy after Quarter Horse trainer Ramiro Castillo was banned from racing and training at the track due to the deaths of five horses under his care since May 2025. Castillo had entered two horses, Stanley Kartel and Scoops Dynasty, in the prestigious G1 Champion of Champions Stakes on December 13th, though the horses were sold to trainer Luke Lindsay and allowed to run. Tragically, Stanley Kartel fell during the race, was ejected from the truck afterward, and was euthanized due to injuries.
Castillo started training in March 2025, taking over from Monty Alosa, Los Alamitos’ leading trainer for 2024, who was banned after multiple positive tests for the banned drug carmoterol. Castillo achieved 30 wins from 180 runners but faced action after five horse deaths under his care between May and November. The fatalities include horses injured during major races and those dying from health issues, with one cause still undetermined. Following a cluster of fatal incidents, CHRB threatened an emergency hearing to potentially suspend Los Alamitos’ license unless safety improvements were rapidly made.
In 2025, Los Alamitos recorded 11 Quarter Horse deaths from musculoskeletal injuries and six from other causes. In response, the racetrack has implemented several new safety measures including acquiring a second state-of-the-art equine ambulance, ensuring the presence of supervising veterinarians at races, conducting weekly welfare meetings, developing stricter intra-articular injection rules, involving owners in post-death meetings, requiring veterinary records for incoming horses, limiting training in adverse weather, and banning horses testing positive for carmoterol.
Following the latest fatal accident, additional actions include arranging surface evaluations by experts, initiating the removal of owners linked to multiple horse deaths, and organizing educational talks for jockeys on safe horse handling. Cheney expressed CHRB’s support for these reforms while warning that an emergency license suspension remains possible if conditions do not improve. The identity of the prominent owner involved was not disclosed at press time.
Fan Take: This news is crucial for horse racing enthusiasts as it highlights the ongoing struggle to improve safety and integrity within the sport. It signals a needed crackdown on negligence and the prioritization of horse welfare, which could lead to a more transparent and trustworthy racing environment moving forward.
