A woman has been charged with trying to steal the horse ambulance used at the Gold Coast races.

A Queensland Racing Integrity Commission spokesman said the woman was arrested by Racing Crime Squad officers and taken to the Southport watch-house after she delayed the return of the equine ambulance to the Gold Coast track.

"Officials were forced to retrieve the vehicle's spare keys after the woman allegedly tried to steal it," the spokesman said..

"The woman has been charged with offences including unlawful use of a motor-vehicle and public nuisance."

The alleged incident happened after a horse injured in the second race at the Magic Millions meeting on Saturday was taken to the clinic.

The woman is expected to appear in court later this month.