Horses and jockeys at Evangeline Downs in Louisiana had a scary moment when an ambulance suddenly drove toward them just seconds after the start of the final race. The race began normally, but things changed fast. As the horses ran down the course, riders noticed the ambulance near the rail and quickly moved their horses away.
Their quick reflexes helped avoid a major crash. All eight horses and riders safely moved around the ambulance and made it through the turn. Race officials later canceled the event and said the ambulance had been placed in the wrong spot on the track. Just a few months ago, a 27-year-old rider died after a tragic accident on a racetrack.
Legendary jockey John Velazquez watched the clip and called the moment “unbelievable.” He posted on X and added, “Thank God horses and jockeys were safe.”
Fans React After Race Course Clip Spreads
A video of the incident quickly spread on social media, drawing sharp reactions from racing fans. Many viewers watched the moment again and again as the ambulance drifted toward the leaders.
One fan wrote, “Wow. This gets worse with each watch. 4 or 5 horses and jockeys avoided a catastrophe there Kevin. Unacceptable that.”
Another viewer asked, “Why would they start with that one the track.”
Another added, “Has to be one of the most mental things I’ve seen on a racecourse, ambulance keen on the rail, crazy.”
A different fan simply praised the jockeys for their instincts and said, “That could have been absolutely horrific. Credit to the jockeys.”
The trouble started near the first turn while the jockeys were fighting for position. The ambulance suddenly moved forward on the inside rail and crossed the line the front horses were running toward. The riders quickly moved their horses to the side and regained control once they passed it. Even though the group tightened, everyone stayed balanced and avoided a crash.
Track cameras caught the entire scene. One photo showed the ambulance only inches from the horses’ path as they swerved. Another showed the field packed together at high speed while trying to avoid the vehicle.
The incident left fans shocked and raised questions about how the ambulance ended up on the track at the wrong moment. The race now has no official result, but the outcome could have been much worse.
