OHRC officials say Emergency Protective Orders issued at Remington Park remain in effect as the Commission continues individualized veterinary reviews and safety protocols aimed at protecting racehorses and preserving racing integrity.

© OHRC

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK–MAY 12, 2025–The Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission (“OHRC”), acting through the Board of Stewards at Remington Park, continues to enforce three Emergency Protective Orders issued on April 22, 2026, after evidence, video, and veterinary opinions documented an abnormal and materially elevated pattern of severe post-race distress among affected horses, including repeated incidents in which horses could not safely leave the track under their own power and required transport from the racing surface.

These orders are temporary, protective, and focused on one priority: horse welfare. The affected horses remain on the Stewards’ List and, where applicable, the Veterinarian’s List while they undergo individualized veterinary review, testing, records review, and monitored exercise protocols before any return to competition may be considered.

In the Alcala matter, the Oklahoma County District Court preserved the Emergency Protective Order, allowed entries to be accepted, and made clear that no horse may compete unless and until OHRC veterinarians and the Board of Stewards are satisfied that permitting the horse to run will not endanger equine welfare or compromise the integrity of racing. In the Garcia matter, materially identical agreed terms were reached. In the Vane matter, the Emergency Protective Order entered by the Board of Stewards was ordered to remain in place and Mr. Vane’s Temporary Restraining Order was dismissed. Accordingly, those horses likewise remain subject to the Commission’s safety process.

“The protection of the horse comes first,” said Amanda English, Interim Executive Director of the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission. “When the facts show a serious threat to equine welfare, the Commission will act. No horse will race until the safety review is complete and the horse is cleared through our process.”

OHRC’s removal protocol requires a separate application for each horse, full disclosure of relevant records, independent veterinary review, any necessary diagnostic testing, required sampling, and an observed work with post-work veterinary assessment. No horse is returned to eligibility based on assurances alone.

The Commission’s authority to take these actions is grounded in the Oklahoma Horse Racing Act and the Rules of Racing, which authorize OHRC and the Board of Stewards to protect horse welfare, determine eligibility, require examination and testing, and act when racing integrity is at risk.

OHRC will continue to evaluate each horse individually and will permit no horse to compete unless and until the Commission is satisfied, in writing, that the horse may safely and humanely race.

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