A fire destroyed a barn on the backstretch of the Saratoga Harness Racetrack the morning of June 16th. Barn 21 was home to the horses who perished.
We were shocked and devastated to receive a phone call from a horse trainer this morning that a fire broke out at the Saratoga Harness Racetrack. We raced over to find the air thick with smoke and the smell of burning hay and metal. It reminded us of the smell we had known from the World Trade Center on 9/11 and triggered that horrific memory.
Reports indicate that up to 17 horses perished in the fire, although the exact count has yet to be determined.
It was impressive to see the teams of firefighters on the scene and the support from the staff at the track. The remains of the barn were removed while the firefighters hosed down the still smoldering embers. They respectfully covered the deceased horses with white sheets.
Sadly, we saw backstretch workers who spend their lives caring for horses in complete shock. Some were sitting on the grass, sobbing emotionally at the loss of these beautiful, innocent animals. The smoke continued to fill the air as firefighters solemnly covered the remains of the fallen horses. It was heartbreaking to witness this tragic event and struggled to cover it on a professional level. As owners, we know horses are cherished family members and grieve at this devastating loss.
Trainers who stabled there included Abigail Adisit and her father Eric, a long time horseman and Standardbred trainer.
How did this happen? We still don't know and the matter is under investigation. Says one horseman who didn't wish to be identified, "These are old barns. It may have been an electrical problem." In speaking with another horseman, he stated, "Everything in a barn including hay, straw and liniment can be a fire accelerant. Most of these barns were built for winter racing and are enclosed, making it more difficult for horses to evacuate."
We hope to learn more about what caused this tragic event and will provide updates as the story unfolds.
Our heartfelt condolences are with the trainers, owners and people who were impacted by this tragedy.
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All photos and video courtesy of the EIE Editorial staff.
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