Tulane University students dressed to the nines gathered at Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots for ostrich, camel and zebra races this Saturday. 

The exotic animal racing events, held between standard horse races at the Fair Grounds Race Course, is an annual tradition for hundreds of Tulane students and Greek Life organizations.

“It’s definitely geared more for college students,” Senior Director of Marketing Kristen Nicholson said. “It started several years ago [when] one of the fraternities at Tulane contacted us and wanted to come out here and that really started to balloon from there.” 

Cathy Beeding, vice president and general manager at the Fair Grounds, said she loves seeing the green wave show up for the racing event. According to Beeding, the Fair Grounds employs about 700 groomers, trainers and other employees to care for almost 2,000 horses. 

Longtime jockey, Edgar Morales, ranked No. 31 in North America by total earnings in 2024, participated in six horse races on Saturday but avoided the exotic animals, saying he didn’t want to risk getting hurt. Morales expressed gratitude toward students for supporting the races. Student attendees “help this business grow,” Morales said. “Some drunk guys like it and stick to it.” 

While popular with many students, others questioned the ethical implications of the exotic races and the treatment of the animals. During one event, jockeys hit and kicked zebras when they refused to move. 

Senior Elliot Risch, who attended the event, said he thinks there should be a conversation about the event’s moral implications and expressed concern at the mistreatment of some of the creatures. 

“To be honest, I was conflicted about the animal abuse,” Risch said. “I think that it’s something that we all kind of implicitly accept, but I’m curious if someone really wants change or if maybe we all kind of actually like it this way.” 

Senior Oliver Sachs took a different perspective on the issue. Sachs said he understands why students might feel uncomfortable but disagrees with those who object to the exotic animal races. 

About the exotic animal races, Sachs said, “It happens every year, and while there are people trying to protest…it doesn’t really seem to be doing much within the community.”

Jockey Carson Warren, who has a month and a half of experience riding camels under her belt, said she doesn’t know much about how the animals are treated.  

“I just show up to ride,” Warren said. “But I know these camels are on their way back to a luscious life at the farm and they’re gonna be fine.”