By Bill Finley
A barn fire that broke out early Tuesday morning has claimed the lives of 17 horses at Saratoga Casino Hotel, which sits off Nelson Avenue in Saratoga Springs and is directly across the street from the Thoroughbred track.
The barn housed a total of 18 horses and was completely destroyed. One horse escaped the barn and sustained minor injuries.
No people were hurt, according to the casino hotel and fire department.
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 fire was contained to a single barn and did not spread to adjacent structures. 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. Approximately 350 horses are typically housed on the backstretch.
“The loss suffered today is heartbreaking for our racing community,” said Chief Executive Officer of Saratoga Casino Hotel Sam Gerrity. “Our thoughts remain with Robyn, Tim, their teams, the horse owners, and everyone affected by this tragedy. We are deeply grateful to the security personnel, first responders, and racing staff whose swift actions helped protect the horses and people in the surrounding barns.”
Saratoga Casino Hotel is working with Saratoga Hospital to make grief counseling services available to trainers, caretakers, owners, and other members of the backstretch community affected by this tragedy. Information regarding counseling resources will be provided directly to those impacted.
“This is a sobering day in our industry, a horse person's worst nightmare. We express our deep condolences to all impacted and thank all emergency responders and track workers for their quick response,” said President Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association Henry Westbrook.
The area remains closed as investigators continue to determine the cause of the fire.
Tuesday's card at Saratoga Casino Hotel was cancelled.
“Our thoughts are with the horse owners, trainers, caretakers, and all those affected by this tragic loss,” John Matarazzo, director of racing operations at Saratoga Casino Hotel, said. “We are grateful for the swift actions of our security, nearby NYRA personnel and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department, whose efforts helped save numerous horses and ensured there were no injuries to people on site.”
Citing Sarah Burger, a city supervisor and lawyer for the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association who represents the harness track, the Albany Times Union first reported that 30 horses had died, then updated the number of deaths to 17.
Burger told the Times Union that she expects the probe into the cause of the fire will be a collaborative effort–but also a lengthy process.
Fire Chief Aaron Dyer told the Times Union that the fire was reported at 2:30 a.m. A video shared with the Times Union shows flames towering over one of the barns, while orange smoke illuminated by the flames below rose above several barns.
“Horse racing in New York is a community of hardworking people linked together by a shared commitment to the horses,” said NYRA's President & CEO David O'Rourke. “This morning's tragic fire at the Saratoga Hotel Casino Harness Track will have a profound impact on that community, and NYRA extends our condolences to all those affected by this loss.
“NYRA stands ready to support our neighbors at Saratoga Hotel Casino with any assistance they may need at this time.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up for the horsemen and women affected by the fire. To make a donation, click here.
Saratoga Casino Hotel will hold a memorial service to honor the horses lost in the fire. Details regarding the service will be announced at a later date.
Horses Perish at Saratoga Harness Race Track https://t.co/MrtQKn29JO Sadly, we were there this morning to witness this tragic event. Condolences to the connections of the horses lost this morning. @ABC7NY @NBCNews @CBS @CNN @FOXSports pic.twitter.com/sNe2Y8GwlP
— Equine Info Exchange (@EquineInfoEx) June 16, 2026
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