17 horses killed in barn fire in Saratoga Springs, NY
Seventeen horses died after a fire broke out in a barn in Saratoga Springs, New York -- a city famous for its rich equestrian heritage.
The Saratoga Springs Fire Department responded to a structure fire at the Saratoga Casino Hotel harness racing facility early Tuesday, officials said.
When firefighters arrived, the barn was "heavily" engulfed in flames, the department said in a statement. They were able to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjacent buildings, but the majority of the horses died as a result of the fire.
After the fire broke out around 2:30 a.m., security personnel from both Saratoga Casino Hotel and the nearby Saratoga Racecourse -- along with emergency responders -- acted quickly to evacuate horses from neighboring barns and secure the surrounding area, according to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association. About 350 horses are typically housed in the backstretch, the association said.
Seventeen horses being housed within the barn died, located in the backstretch area of the harness racetrack, according to the association. There were a total of 18 horses in the barn, the association noted.
The horses belonged to two trainers who stabled their horses in the barn. Trainer Robyn Mangiardi lost 11 horses, while trainer Timothy Benson lost six horses, the association said.
"The loss suffered today is heartbreaking for our racing community,” Sam Gerrity, CEO of Saratoga Casino Hotel, said in a statement. "Our thoughts remain with Robyn, Tim, their teams, the horse owners, and everyone affected by this tragedy."
Sarah Burger, counsel for Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association, described the horses' deaths as a "tragic loss" and thanked first responders for jumping into action so quickly.
"This is a sobering day in our industry, a horseperson's worst nightmare," Henry Westbrook, Jr, president of the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association, said in a statement. "We express our deep condolences to all impacted and thank all emergency responders and track workers for their quick response."
No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the fire, the department said. The area near the fire remains closed as officials investigate.
Grief counseling services are being made available to trainers, caretakers, owners and other members of the backstretch community affected by incident, according to the association.
The association declined to provide further comment to ABC News.
