Longtime Michigan horsewoman Ann Russell and her daughter, Erin Spychala, lost their entire stable in an early-morning barn fire on Sunday morning (Jan. 13) in Pinckney, Michigan.

The fire was reported at roughly 5 a.m. and killed all seven horses in the barn, including five Standardbred racehorses, one broodmare, and a riding pony.

The horses killed in the fire include the eight-year-old pacing gelding R Duneshine and the four-year-old trotting mare Victoryssuperangel, both of whom made recent starts in Ohio. Victoryssuperangel had raced on January 4 at Northfield Park and R Duneshine had raced on January 6 at Miami Valley, competing in one of the races that was part of the first day of the North America Drivers Championship.

Also killed were the 11-year-old pacing gelding Bursting Blaze, the five-year-old gelded trotter J S Maple Jac and a riding horse named Sam who has been owned by Spychala for several years. Also destroyed by the fire were a truck and trailer and all of the horse equipment. No cause of the fire has yet been determined.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Russell and Spychala. To go to the GoFundMe page and donate please click here.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the connections that have been affected by the tragic fire.

(Harnessracing.com)