2 Racehorses Die In Barn Fire At Belmont Racetrack

BELMONT, NY — Two racehorses were killed, but dozens more were saved, in a fire in a barn at Belmont Racetrack Tuesday evening.

According to officials, a fire broke out just after 6 p.m. in Barn 60 at Belmont Park. The barn had stalls for 60 horses, which New York Racing Association officials say were under the care of trainers Wayne Potts and Jeffrey Englehart.

Belmont employees managed to safely evacuate 58 of the horses. The Elmont, Valley Stream and Floral Park fire departments all responded and quickly got the blaze under control. Once the fire was put out, it was found that two horses had died. The New York Racing Association identified the horses as American Sailor and Beastie D.

Police say three employees suffered minor smoke inhalation and were treated at the scene.

Nassau County Police Arson/Bomb Squad detectives, and the Nassau County and New York State fire marshals are all investigating the cause of the fire.

“The tragic loss of both horses will be deeply felt by the hard working women and men of the New York racing community, who dedicate themselves to the sport and to the care of these equine athletes,” said Dave O’Rourke, NYRA president and CEO, in a statement. “That collective dedication and sense of community was on display this evening, when the heroic and selfless response of so many prevented further loss and saved the lives of dozens of horses.”