Jockeys narrowly avoid collision with ambulance at Evangeline Downs
Jockeys and racehorses at Evangeline Downs in Louisiana narrowly avoided a serious collision after they found themselves galloping head-on towards an ambulance that had entered the track moments after the start of a race, reports BritPanorama.
The frightening incident unfolded seconds after the field of eight runners burst from the starting gate and settled into formation on the dirt track, only to be confronted by an oncoming emergency vehicle. As the horses accelerated into the opening stages, the jockeys were forced into rapid evasive manoeuvres when they noticed the ambulance travelling directly towards them.
Several riders were seen sharply steering their mounts away from the vehicle’s path, diverting off the racing line to avoid what could have been a devastating pile-up. Remarkably, every horse and rider managed to swerve clear, preventing injury and allowing the field to come to a safe halt.
Footage of the near miss circulated widely on social media within hours, prompting disbelief and criticism from racing fans and industry observers alike. One distressed viewer wrote: “Wow. This gets worse with each watch. 4 or 5 horses and jockeys avoided a catastrophe there. Unacceptable that.” Another commented: “Why would they start with that on the track?”
The reaction grew as more fans labelled the moment “absolutely insane” and “one of the most mental things I’ve seen on a racecourse, ambulance keen on the rail, crazy.” Others highlighted the professionalism required to avoid impact, with one user remarking: “Goodness me. That’s skills.”
Race stewards quickly declared the event void and later released a statement explaining that the ambulance was in the “wrong position on the track”. In horse racing, emergency vehicles are required to remain stationed on designated areas of the inner track rail, positioned so they can respond instantly to a fall but without obstructing horses.
Why the ambulance moved into an active lane remains unclear, and the track authorities are expected to review the incident. Evangeline Downs, located in Opelousas, is a well-established quarter horse and thoroughbred venue run by Boyd Gaming. Like other licensed US tracks, it is obligated to follow state racing regulations, including mandatory safety personnel and medical response teams for every race.
Industry protocols require an ambulance to follow the field once the start is deemed clear; it should never be ahead of the runners. Racing experts described the incident as a sobering reminder of how quickly danger can arise in a sport where horses can reach speeds of 40 mph and jockeys ride without protective barriers on the course.
Previous international cases have led to tightened rules over track access, and analysts expect the Evangeline Downs stewards to assess communication procedures between race control, medical crews and starting officials. Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, one of the most respected riders in the United States, reacted to the incident by calling the mistake “unbelievable” and expressed relief that no one had been hurt, writing: “Thank God horses and jockeys were safe.”
In the world of racing, where split-second decisions can mean the difference between safety and disaster, this incident leaves a lingering question about how preparedness measures might be improved. It’s a reminder of the delicate balance between speed and safety in a sport that thrives on adrenaline and risk.
