More than two dozen racehorses were killed and one person was seriously injured in a fire at a barn in upstate New York earlier this week.
According to TMZ Sports, the New York State Police responded to a structure fire at the Tioga Downs Casino Complex in Nichols, New York early on Thursday morning. Upon arriving at the scene, a “catastrophic” scene was discovered, with a barn engulfed in flames.
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Over two dozen racehorses died in the fire and there were thousands of dollars in damages, per a NYSP press release. In addition, one person suffered second-degree burns and was transported to Robert Packer Hospital after attempting to save the racehorses from the fire.
The NYSP has charged 32-year-old Boyd H. Fenton of Athens, Pa. with multiple felonies. A police investigation determined that Fenton went into the barn and “intentionally set a fire, causing thousands of dollars’ worth of damage” and resulting in the deaths of the horses.
The latest tragedy at Tioga Downs is just the latest instance of numerous racehorses dying suddenly. Industry safety practices have come into question following more than a dozen racehorses were either put down or died from issues caused by horse racing. Most recently, four racehorses died within the span of two weeks at the Golden Gate Fields.
A GoFundMe has been created to help provide support for those who lost their horses and to help provide funds to build a new stable. While $50,000 was the original goal, more than 900 donations have raised nearly $130,000.
The NYSP is still investigating the motives behind the fire. The person who entered the staples in an attempt to save the horses is expected to make a full recovery.