17 Horses Dead in Harness Track Barn Fire

17 horses have died after a fire destroyed a horse barn at the Saratoga Casino Hotel harness racing facility on Nelson Avenue.

The fire was first reported on June 16, 2026, around 2:30 a.m. according to the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. When firefighters arrived on scene, they found the barn engulfed in flames. 

“Due to the advanced fire conditions, crews initiated a defensive fire attack while simultaneously working to protect adjacent structures and prevent further fire spread,” The fire department said in a statement.

The barn had been used to house 18 horses, of whom 17 died in the fire. The surviving horse escaped the fire with minor injuries, according to a press release issued by the Saratoga Casino Hotel and the Saratoga Harness Horsepersons Association. 

A later press release identified the horses killed as Arlanda, Conquest As, Crazy Jet, Five Star Lou, Free Willy Hanover, Gimlet Hanover, Influencer, Lyons Dukey, Muscle Dynasty, Our Father Lindy, Perfect Bang, Quite Like Me, Race Me Bombshell, Shalamar Hanover, Trackstar, Tropical Cyclone, and Red. 

The horses belonged to trainer Robyn Mangiardi who lost 11 horses and trainer Timothy Benson who lost six horses. 

“The loss suffered today is heartbreaking for our racing community,” said Sam Gerrity, Chief Executive Officer of Saratoga Casino Hotel. “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.”

While the backstretch area typically houses 350 horses, first responders and track personnel were able to successfully evacuate the horses from nearby structures. Firefighters were also able to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures. 

“This is a sobering day in our industry, a horse person’s worst nightmare,” said Henry Westbrook, President, Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association.  “We express our deep condolences to all impacted and thank all emergency responders and track workers for their quick response.” 

In response to the fire, the Saratoga Casino Hotel said that they were working with Saratoga Hospital to provide grief counseling services to those impacted and that a memorial service will be held for the horses lost in the fire. They also announced that they would be donating $100,000 to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association.

Tributes and offers of support have poured in from the racing community and beyond.

“Horse racing in New York is a community of hard-working people linked together by a shared commitment to the horses, David O’Rourke, NYRA President & CEO, said in a statement. “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.”

On June 17, NYRA announced that they would be donating $50,000 to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association and selling a t-shirt to raise money for the organization. The shirts will be sold in person on July 3, Opening Day of the summer meet. They will also be sold online starting June 19 and at the Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness Track during its Sunset Saturday Series. 

In addition, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association announced that it would donate $10,000 to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association

Within hours of the fire, a Go Fund Me was set up to raise money for those impacted. As of publication, that effort raised around $79,000 with around 500 donations made. 

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Saratoga Springs Fire Department, Saratoga Springs Police Department, and the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control.

The Saratoga Springs Fire Department was assisted by numerous agencies including the Saratoga County Emergency Communications Center, Saratoga County Office of Emergency Services Fire Coordinator staff, Ballston Spa Fire Department, Malta Ridge Fire Department, Quaker Springs Fire Department, Saratoga Springs Police Department, and National Grid.

No humans were injured in the fire.