Saratoga Casino Hotel and the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association have announced a public memorial service to honor the 17 horses that perished in the devastating barn fire on June 16, 2026.
The horses were laid to rest in a private burial held at dusk on the morning of Wednesday, June 17, on the grounds of Saratoga Casino Hotel. Each horse was respectfully buried in its own individual plot.
To ensure their memory endures, a permanent monument bearing the names of all 17 horses will be installed at the burial site as a tribute to their lives and the impact they had on the harness racing community.
The memorial service will take place on Sunday, June 28, at 10:45 a.m. in the harness track Winner's Circle at Saratoga Casino Hotel. The ceremony is open to the public, and community members are invited to join horse owners, trainers, drivers, caretakers, and racing fans in remembering the horses lost in the tragedy. Live harness racing will immediately follow the memorial with a first post time of noon.
Speakers at the memorial service will include Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford, Saratoga County Supervisor Sarah Burger, and representatives from Saratoga Casino Hotel and the Saratoga Harness Horsepersons Association. Each will offer remarks in honor of the horses and recognize the profound loss felt throughout the racing community.
"The loss of these 17 horses is a tragedy that has touched every corner of the racing community," said Sam Gerrity, Chief Executive Officer of Saratoga Casino Hotel. "This memorial service and monument will serve as a lasting tribute to their lives and offer a place for remembrance and reflection."
"Each of these horses had a unique story and a special place in the hearts of those who cared for them," said Henry Westbrook Jr, President, Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association. By laying them to rest with dignity and creating a permanent memorial in their honor, we hope to preserve their memory for generations to come."
Horses to Be Honored at Memorial Service: 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.
