The foundation of Louisiana Horse Racing turned out to be weak after the failure of the Commission surfaced. The jockeys are accused of using illegal shocking devices. It threatens the integrity of the sport while adding to the list of concerns that include the safety and well-being of the horses running in the competition. Disappointed, veteran racing journalist Ray Paulick said, “Louisiana’s handling of these cases is a national embarrassment and an affront to the integrity of racing and to the safety of the equine athletes.” 

All in all, the ongoing failure to enforce necessary regulations has major consequences for the industry. Horse racing is already a sport under scrutiny, and is bound to face even greater challenges when the public loses faith in the regulatory body tasked with its safety and fairness. The suffering is inevitable for the poor horses and this needs to be put an end to.

The commission is in a loop of mistakes

In 2022, jockey Gerard Melancon was arrested for allegedly possessing an illegal shocking device, yet after a few days, he returned to the sport without any penalty or fine. It raises questions about the Louisiana Racing Commission. Disregarding the severity of the felony charge, the commission’s reluctance to impose any immediate regulatory action speaks volumes about its failure to protect the sport’s essence.

Further into it, the commission’s defense of waiting for a criminal resolution before taking action highlights a deep-rooted issue. By prioritizing the so-called “due process” for the jockeys, it neglects the due process owed to the horses and to the integrity of the competition itself. The discovery of another shocking device at Evangeline Downs in 2022, and the lack of investigation or discipline, shows a pattern of negligence that undermines the sport. Paulick criticized this by saying, “The Commission claims that because of a longstanding practice, they are unable to exert any regulatory authority over a licensee who has been arrested and whose criminal case has not been resolved.”

This regulatory dysfunction is not only a failure of authority, but also a failure to act in the best interests of all participants. If horse racing is to maintain its credibility, the commission must hold violators accountable immediately, regardless of the criminal process. Paulick concludes, “Louisiana’s failure to act is a glaring example of why centralized regulation is necessary for the sport’s survival.”

The consequences of a long sleep eventually lead to criticism 

The lack of action by the Commission sends a message that cruelty to animals may be tolerated even if it harms the horses in chasing the win. The use of shocking devices is cruel, causing pain and distress to the animals, and putting their physical well-being in jeopardy. As Paulick rightly points out, “Where is the due process for the horses, or the horseplayers and other jockeys, trainers, and owners who haven’t been charged with ‘unnatural stimulation’ of horses?”

The process has already compromised the fairness of the sport. Jockey Martin Osuna was arrested in November 2023, but was allowed to go back after days, and also can move freely to other states to continue his career. Osuna is barred from Evangeline Downs. No restrictions are preventing him from competing in other jurisdictions. This lack of national oversight allows those accused of misconduct to escape accountability, making it easier for others to follow the same and get inspired. 

The result is a diminishing trust in the sport’s integrity. When jockeys can continue racing despite serious allegations, everyone in the industry begins to question the fairness and safety of the sport. The case for centralized regulation becomes undeniable after all of this, the integrity of horse racing can be preserved, the innocent animals shouldn’t suffer due to a corrupt jockey’s greed to win.