17 horses killed in barn fire at Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness Track
A barn fire at Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness Track killed 17 horses and injured another early Tuesday morning.Summary
A devastating barn fire at the Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness Track in Saratoga Springs, New York, resulted in the deaths of 17 horses and the injury of another early Tuesday morning. The fire broke out around 2:30 a.m. in the backstretch area, claiming the lives of 11 horses belonging to trainer Robyn Mongiardo and six belonging to trainer Timothy Benson. No people were killed or injured. The Saratoga Casino Hotel, which is distinct from the nearby Saratoga Race Course, confirmed that the fire was contained to a single barn. Officials from both tracks and emergency responders assisted in evacuating horses housed at other nearby facilities. Saratoga Casino Hotel CEO Sam Gerrity expressed deep sorrow for the racing community, while Henry Westbrook, president of the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association, described the event as a horse person's worst nightmare. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. The casino stated it will collaborate with Saratoga Hospital to provide grief counseling for affected trainers, caretakers, and owners.
(Source：CBS News)