At Los Alamitos Race Course, the 4-year-old horse Stanley Cartel suffered a fatal injury during a race and was euthanized on the track, contrary to reports that he was transported by ambulance. This incident follows a troubling pattern of horse deaths at the venue, including a killing spree in November that resulted in at least six fatalities. In response, Los Alamitos management announced the implementation of stricter safety protocols and expressed commitment to improving equine safety, working alongside the California Horse Racing Board.

Despite these stated efforts, critics remain deeply skeptical, highlighting that the industry’s history of cruelty and horse deaths shows little real change. While some reports list the number of horse deaths at Los Alamitos this year as 18 or 19, the actual figure is closer to 32, nearly matching the combined total for the previous two years, underscoring ongoing concerns about the welfare of racehorses at the track.