The Equestrian Community Pulls Together After Saratoga Barn Fire

On June 16th, 2026, a barn holding 18 horses at the Saratoga Casino Hotel burned down. Of the 18 housed there, only one survived.

Read More: 17 Horses Dead After Saratoga Casino Hotel Racetrack Barn Fire

It was an unthinkable tragedy, and now the equestrian community is giving back to help Saratoga, and New York racing as a whole...

Memorial

The track will host a memorial for the lives lost on June 28th at 10:45 a.m.in the Harness Track Winners Circle at the Saratoga Casino Hotel. The public is invited to attend to honor the lives lost and hear from local officials. After the memorial, the track will host live harness racing at noon.

Saratoga Casino Hotel

In addition to the memorial, the Saratoga Casino Hotel will make a $100,000 donation to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association, as well as hosting fundraisers from July 11 through August 29 at their Sunset Saturday Series.

A fundraising jar

New York Racing Association

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) will also make a contribution to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association of $50,000.

New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association

The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) joins the previous two with a $10,000 contribution the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association.

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T-Shirts

NYRA will also host a fundraiser through the summer races, starting on July 3rd at the Saratoga Race Course. At these races, fans can buy a specially designed T-Shirt of which all of the proceeds will go towards the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association.

Capital District Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation

Capital OTB will also be donating $5,000 to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association, as well as hosting more fundraisers through the summer season.