Racing Scandal Unfolds: Jockey Arrested At Louisiana Racetrack

OPELOUSAS, La. (KPEL News) – An Arizona jockey, Martin Osuna, was arrested on Thursday, November 7, 2024, after troopers with the Louisiana State Police (LSP) Gaming Enforcement Division conducted an investigation following reports of misconduct involving a race jockey. The incident happened at the Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino in Opelousas.

According to LSP, the preliminary investigation revealed that Osuna falsified information on a racing document, prompting officers to issue an arrest warrant. Osuna was scheduled to participate in a race at Evangeline Downs and was detained when he arrived at the track. During a thorough search conducted following his arrest, Troopers discovered five horse shocking devices that were in Osuna’s possession.

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Osuna was arrested and transported to the St. Landry Parish Jail, where he was booked on filing false public documents, falsifying information on a racing document, injuring public records, and five counts of violating LA R.S. 4:175 regarding the unnatural stimulation of horses (a practice that is considered unethical and harmful to the animals).

Louisiana State Police said they remain committed to upholding the highest standards in the gaming industry, and the integrity of horse racing is a cornerstone of their work and vital to the trust and safety of all participants — both human and equine.

The public plays an important role in identifying suspects accused of these crimes and is urged to report criminal or suspicious activity. The Louisiana State Police online reporting system is available to the public through an anonymous reporting form that is submitted to the appropriate investigators. The form can be accessed by visiting lsp.org and clicking the Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity link or calling the LSP Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.