Los Alamitos To Remain Open For Horse Racing With New Oversight Plan
LOS ALAMITOS (CBSLA) — The California Horse Racing Board has unanimously approved a plan to continue racing at the Los Alamitos Race Course – which has seen the deaths of several horses this year -- with more oversight.
The plan includes an extra "roving" veterinarian to oversee horses in training, and as they enter and exit the track, and a security steward to oversee veterinary and barn practices. The new plan will also include an "entry review panel" of experts who have the authority to scratch horses for races.
Any further deaths at the track will trigger a review.
Dr. Ed Allred, the owner of Los Alamitos Race Course, said the new changes will upset some of their trainers, but pledged to do things properly in the future.
"I can assure you we're all kind of humiliated by this whole thing," he told the board.
Monday's vote comes after a rash of racehorse deaths at the track this year. At least 21 horses have died of racing or training injuries, while another 10 have died of gastrointestinal or other issues. The track was placed on probation in response to the increase of racehorse deaths at the track.
Los Alamitos Race Course has remained open for horse racing, but fans are prohibited due to coronavirus safety guidelines.
