In a shocking enforcement action on September 29, 2024, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) raided the Carril Mochomos, a bush track in Levelland, Texas, leading to the arrest of 14 individuals allegedly involved in a myriad of criminal activities. These include engaging in organized crime, money laundering, unlawful racing, and illegal gambling. The raid uncovered an array of disturbing evidence, raising serious concerns about the dark realities of underground horse racing.
Authorities reportedly discovered electrical shocking devices and a stash of illegal drugs intended for both humans and horses on the property. In a further disquieting development, DPS seized over 135 grams of cocaine and numerous gambling devices, suggesting a well-orchestrated operation geared towards high-stakes gambling and equine abuse. The ramifications of these findings paint a grim picture of the culture surrounding unsanctioned racing.
The operation at Carril Mochomos came to light following a complaint submitted by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to the Texas DPS back in April. The organization urged officials to investigate rampant criminal activities across over 50 bush tracks in the state, alleging extensive drugging and mistreatment of horses. PETA had reportedly supplied specific intelligence regarding Carril Mochomos, laying the groundwork for the investigation that culminated in the recent raid.
Among those arrested is Daniel Avila, a jockey licensed to race in New Mexico. Also apprehended were notable individuals in the bush racing scene, including broadcasting couple Ramon Garcia and Edna Hernández, as well as track operator Cesar Pacheco and his partner, Delmy Lizette Rios-Guerrero. The arrests, supported by indictments presented to a grand jury, indicate a network that may have been involved in extensive illegal gaming operations.
Accounts from witnesses and previous investigations into underground racing have illuminated alarming practices that allegedly occur within this cruel world. Reports suggest that trainers and jockeys resort to drugging horses with potent substances such as cocaine and methamphetamines, alongside the use of electroshock devices, all in the name of securing victory and lucrative bets.
PETA’s prior investigations elsewhere, including in Georgia, have unveiled a similar pattern of behavior that culminates in the tragic deaths of horses subjected to these inhumane conditions. The organization previously succeeded in pressing charges against seven individuals linked to such practices, prompting calls for legislative action to regulate horse racing more effectively.
The fallout from the Levelland raid casts a long shadow over the legitimacy of bush racing, allowing deeper scrutiny into a sporting culture where the well-being of the animals is frequently put in jeopardy for the sake of profit. With the recent arrests, the Texas Department of Public Safety is expected to ramp up its investigation, potentially leading to further disclosures about the extent of criminal activity within the state’s underground racing circles.
As the community grapples with the disturbing revelations, questions loom about the future of bush racing in Texas and the ongoing pursuit of justice for the horses caught in this scandalous web. PETA has continued to call for the public’s assistance in shutting down unregulated tracks, urging concern for the welfare of the animals that have suffered at the hands of alleged negligence and abuse.