1/ST RACING has announced it will stop selling the simulcast signal from Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita Park to Hipódromo Camarero in Puerto Rico, effective immediately, due to ongoing concerns about horse welfare and safety at the Puerto Rican racetrack. This decision, supported by horsemen’s groups in Florida and California, follows years of unsuccessful efforts to improve care for racehorses in Puerto Rico, especially after their racing careers end. Additionally, 1/ST will bar any license holders who ship or sell horses to Puerto Rico from racing or training at its facilities and will donate $100,000 to the Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare to support horse welfare.

Despite previous measures, including banning cargo ship transport of horses and requiring aftercare funding deposits, significant welfare issues persist at Hipódromo Camarero. 1/ST RACING, recognized for its leadership in horse and rider safety since 2019, hopes these new policies will pressure Puerto Rican racing stakeholders to prioritize horse safety and retirement care. The Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and Thoroughbred Owners of California have publicly endorsed the move, emphasizing that neglect and inhumane treatment have no place in the sport.