Posted on: June 17, 2026, 12:43h.
Last updated on: June 17, 2026, 12:43h.
New information continues to roll in regarding yesterday’s tragic barn fire at the Saratoga Casino Hotel that killed 17 horses.
A crew of workers near a row of barns where a fire killed 17 horses at a barn used by trainers at the nearby harness track on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Saratoga, New York. The cause of the fire at the Saratoga Casino Hotel racetrack remains unknown. (Image: Getty)Early Tuesday morning, around 2:30 am, a fire broke out at a stable located on the backstretch area of the Saratoga Casino Hotel harness racetrack along Nelson Avenue. While the response from casino security and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department was swift, 17 of the 18 horses in the barn died.
Saratoga officials report that the lone surviving horse managed to escape the barn and only sustained minor injuries. The 17 other horses, locked in their stables, could not flee the fire.
Trainer Robyn Mangiardi lost 11 horses. The six others belonged to trainer Timothy Benson.
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 Henry Westbrook, president of the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association.
Sam Gerrity, the CEO of Saratoga Casino Hotel, expressed his condolences.
“The loss suffered today is heartbreaking for our racing community,” said Gerrity. “Our thoughts remain with Robyn, Tim, their teams, the horse owners, and everyone affected by this tragedy.”
Gerrity is a third-generation leader of family-run Saratoga Casino Holdings. The company additionally has ownership stakes in Saratoga Casino Black Hawk in Colorado, Magnolia Bluffs Casino in Mississippi, and Happy Valley Casino in Pennsylvania.
Was Tragedy Preventable?
While the investigation is early and preliminary, early reports suggest that significant changes in how horses are stabled are needed to better protect the animals.
Sarah Burger, a city supervisor and legal counsel for the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association, confirmed that the barn did not have an automated fire suppression system. The barn was also not equipped with fire sprinklers.
Unlike the Thoroughbred horse barns at the neighboring Saratoga Race Course, the stables for the Standardbred harness racetrack are not required to have automated fire systems.
“I think we absolutely need to engage in a conversation about equipping them,” Burger told reporters, as relayed by the Times Union.
Investigation Ongoing
Local officials say the cause of the Saratoga Casino barn fire is ongoing. At this time, there’s no evidence to suggest arson.
Saratoga Hospital is offering grief counseling services to trainers, caretakers, owners, and others directly involved in the horse racing community.
Saratoga plans to resume live harness racing on Saturday.
Saratoga Barn Fire That Killed 17 Horses Didn’t Have Sprinklers NYT News Today.
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