In response to the devastating barn fire that occurred on Tuesday, June 16, Saratoga Casino Hotel announced a coordinated response on Wednesday, June 17 that includes a $100,000 USD donation, upcoming fundraising efforts and a memorial service to honour the horses lost in the tragedy.

A $100,000 USD donation will be made to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association to support horsemen, trainers, staff and backstretch workers impacted by the fire.

“This contribution will be used to support those affected as they begin the long process of recovery in the aftermath of an unimaginable tragedy,” said Henry Westbrook Jr., President of the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association. “We greatly appreciate the outpouring of support from the community and in particular this generous donation from Saratoga Casino Hotel.”

In addition, Saratoga Casino Hotel will host fundraising opportunities throughout its Sunset Saturday Series, running from July 11 through Aug. 29, to further support those impacted by the disaster. Information regarding the Sunset Saturday Series is available at saratogacasino.com.

Saratoga Casino Hotel is also planning a memorial service to honour the 17 horses lost in the fire. Eleven of those horses were trained by Robyn Mangiardi and six were from the stable of Timothy Benson. 

The horses lost in the fire that will be honoured at the memorial service were: 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.

“Racing is the foundation of our company’s history. My father and grandfather were in the harness racing industry, and for us this isn’t just a business — it has been part of our family’s livelihood for generations,” said Sam Gerrity, Chief Executive Officer of Saratoga Casino Hotel. “Although our contribution cannot relieve the pain felt by those so closely impacted, we hope our efforts and support help ease the sorrow as they move forward.”

Details regarding the memorial service will be announced in the coming days.

Additionally, a GoFundMe campaign has been created by Saratoga track photographer Jessica Hallett to support those affected by the tragic fire. Donations have surpassed $78,000 USD as of late afternoon on Wednesday, June 17.

"While money and donations mean nothing in the loss of the family members of these horsemen, we hope that it can give them some sense of hope for the future and in rebuilding," said Hallett on the campaign page. "Nothing will replace the horses, no words can help fix this and nothing in the world will make a difference. The donations will only help in the aftermath as these horsemen have not only lost their loved ones, but their entire stables and livelihoods."

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced on Wednesday afternoon a charitable campaign to support the trainers, staff and backstretch workers impacted by the fire. 

The dual initiative will first include a $50,000 USD charitable contribution made by NYRA to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association to assist those affected by the tragedy.

In addition, NYRA will host a fundraiser at Saratoga Race Course beginning on Friday, July 3, Opening Day of the summer meet. Fans in attendance will have an opportunity to purchase a specially designed t-shirt to support those impacted by the fire. The shirt will be available on-track in the Official NYRA Store and online beginning Friday, June 19. NYRA will donate 100 per cent of the proceeds from all t-shirt sales to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association. The shirts will be available for purchase at the Saratoga Casino Hotel harness track during its Sunset Saturday Series from July 11 to Aug. 29.

The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) also announced it will contribute $10,000 USD to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association to support these efforts.

"The New York horse racing community is united by a shared commitment to the horses and the people who care for them," said David O’Rourke, NYRA President and CEO. "NYRA extends its deepest condolences to everyone affected by this tragic event. We are proud to partner with the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association to provide meaningful support to our neighbours at the Saratoga Casino Hotel harness track during this difficult time.”

This story will be updated with memorial service details when available and any further support initiatives for those impacted by the fire.

(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel & NYRA)