Louisiana Racing Commission investigating wrong-way ambulance incident at Evangeline Downs
The Louisiana Racing Commission and Evangeline Downs in Opelousas are scheduled to conduct separate investigations into a Saturday night incident in which an ambulance was driven toward an oncoming field of Quarter Horses competing in a hook race over 870 yards.
There were no known injuries to jockeys or horses in the race, which stewards declared a no contest as a result of the ambulance being out of position, it was announced. The eighth race was an allowance.
The ambulance was driven along the inside rail, and all of the riders – led by Eliazar Vera aboard the No. 1 horse, Kvn Valiant Corona; Juan Garcia Jr. on Easy Jumpn Jet (2); and Donell Blake on Explosive Legend (6) – were able to steer their mounts clear of the oncoming vehicle.
“We at the Louisiana Racing Commission, with Evangeline Downs, will be investigating the incident,” Stephen Landry, executive director of the commission, said Monday. “We’re thankful that no one got injured, but we want to make sure that it never happens again.”
Chase ambulances are in place so paramedics can tend to jockeys immediately in the event of a spill. Most races for Quarter Horses are run down the stretch and not around a turn, so the ambulance generally stays in the chute area during the straightaway races, according to officials. The eighth race Saturday night was the lone race on the card that was run around a turn. The card featured a number of trial races at 400 yards.
Evangeline Downs is in the midst of a meet for Quarter Horses. Racing resumes Friday.
:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.