Jockeys narrowly escaped disaster during a horse race when they were forced to swerve around an oncoming ambulance. An investigation has been launched to determine how the shocking incident occurred at Evangeline Downs in the USA on Saturday evening.

An ambulance routinely follows horse races on the inside of the track in case of accidents involving horses or riders. However, for inexplicable reasons, the emergency vehicle found itself positioned inside the course during race eight, the 8.35pm event, at the Louisiana venue situated just east of Opelousas.

All eight competitors were compelled to take swift evasive manoeuvres to dodge the vehicle as they thundered around the opening bend, preventing catastrophic injuries or fatalities to both horses and jockeys.

The extraordinary incident left racing enthusiasts worldwide stunned.

Prominent pundit Kevin Blake said: “This might well be the most terrifying near miss I’ve ever seen in a horse race. It happened at Evangeline Downs in America a few hours ago. Incredible reactions from the jockeys and horses to avoid absolute carnage.”

American racing correspondent Ray Paulick posted on X: “Quarter Horse race declared no contest at Evangeline Downs. Incredible reaction by jockeys to avoid going head-first into a vehicle on the track.”

Gabe Prewitt commented on X: “Am I the only one that just saw what happened in the 8th race at Evangeline? Holy hell.”

Spectators were equally astonished by the track commentator’s remarks following the race, who dismissed it as a “little incident on the turn”.

He subsequently added: “The ambulance was a little out of position.”

Racecourse officials have reportedly initiated an investigation into how the ambulance ended up on the track.