Fort Washington, MD – In a show of solidarity with their fellow horsemen and horsewomen, five organizations within Maryland‘s Standardbred racing industry have come together to donate a combined $5,000 to the Saratoga Harness Horsepersons Association (SHHA) in the wake of the devastating barn fire at Saratoga Harness Track that claimed the lives of 17 horses early Tuesday morning, June 16.
Rosecroft Raceway, Ocean Downs, Cloverleaf SOA., the Maryland Standardbred Breeders Association, and the Maryland Standardbred Horsemen’s Assistance Fund each contributed $1,000 to the relief effort, which will support trainers, owners, backstretch workers, and their families affected by the tragedy.
“The harness racing community is a family, no matter what state we call home,” said Lisa Watts, director of operations at Rosecroft Raceway. “When tragedy strikes one part of our family, we all feel it. We hope this contribution offers some measure of support to those whose lives have been upended.”
“Ocean Downs stands with the horsemen and horsewomen of Saratoga during this incredibly difficult time,” said Bobbi Jones, general manager of Ocean Downs. “Our industry is built on the dedication of the people who care for these animals every single day, and we wanted to do our part to help them recover.”
“This tragedy is a reminder of just how connected our sport is, from Maryland to New York and everywhere in between,” said Jackie MacLeod of the Maryland Standardbred Breeders Association. “We’re honored to contribute to the recovery efforts and to stand behind the Saratoga horsemen as they rebuild.”
“As horsemen ourselves, we understand all too well the bond between trainers and their horses,” said Jonathan Roberts, president of Cloverleaf SOA. “Our thoughts are with everyone at Saratoga, and we hope this donation helps ease some of the burden during such a painful time.”
The full $5,000 will be directed to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association to assist horsemen, trainers, staff, and backstretch workers impacted by the fire.