The first race on Friday's Black-Eyed Susan program at Laurel Park was marred by the death of first-time starter Hit Zero (Twirling Candy), who succumbed to an apparent cardiac event following the conclusion of the $35,000 maiden claimer, according to a statement from the Maryland Racing Commission.
“The Equine Medical Director attended to Hit Zero and has initiated a full post-incident review consistent with Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) Equine Fatality Reporting Requirements,” the statement said in part. “A necropsy will be conducted and a cause of death will not be confirmed until necropsy findings have been reviewed and verified.
“The Commission has initiated all required review and investigation protocols in response to the death of Hit Zero. We recognize the significance of this loss and are committed to conducting a thorough, transparent process. The Commission will report findings in accordance with HISA disclosure requirements once the necropsy and review are complete. The Commission extends its acknowledgement of this loss to the horse's connections and to the equine community.”
Maryland-bred Hit Zero was owned by Justin Horowitz's ItsTheJho LLC and Evan Trommer and was trained by Brittany Russell.
— Justin Horowitz (@ItstheJHo) May 15, 2026
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