Two horses trained by Wayne Potts, 2020 Troy Stakes (G3T) winner American Sailor and an unraced 3-year-old named Beastie D, perished April 13 in a fire that ravaged Barn 60 at Belmont Park.
According to a report by Newsday, police said that three male barn employees were hospitalized and treated for smoke inhalation following the fire and they remain in stable condition. There were no reported injuries to New York Racing Association employees, and 58 horses trained by Potts and Jeffrey Englehart were safely evacuated from the barn and relocated thanks to the quick response by NYRA security, backstretch staff, and the Elmont Fire Department.
"The tragic loss of both horses will be deeply felt by the hard-working women and men of the New York racing community, who dedicate themselves to the sport and to the care of these equine athletes," said Dave O'Rourke, NYRA CEO and president. "That collective dedication and sense of community was on display this evening, when the heroic and selfless response of so many prevented further loss and saved the lives of dozens of horses."
At approximately 6:05 p.m. ET Tuesday, NYRA responded to an active fire and was joined by backstretch staff in providing immediate assistance to the horses stabled in the barn.
The Elmont Fire Department responded minutes later to extinguish the fire.
The New York State Fire Marshal and officials from Nassau County are investigating the cause of the fire, which was not immediately apparent.
Potts shared a Facebook post late Tuesday evening confirming the identity of the horses that were lost and thanking the community for the quick response that saved the others.
"I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who assisted in removing my horses from the fire this evening," he said. "Thank you from the bottom of my heart to every single one of you that put yourselves at risk to make sure 58 horses are able to see another day. The actions of so many this evening proved that this industry is a family with a fierce love of the horse that triumphs over anything else.
"I am heartbroken to say that Beastie D and American Sailor were both unable to be saved and perished. Beastie D, a 3-year-old Verrazanocolt, was a recent purchase from the sale in Ocala. While we didn't have him long, his presence was felt as he was an individual with an abundance of class and potential
"American Sailor was a part of my family and took my operation to a new level. We were preparing for a 9-year-old campaign and he had been training fantastic. This was a horse that owed me absolutely nothing. He was the pride and joy of my stable and was the horse that took me places in my career that I had only ever dreamed of going. 'Sailor' was so loved by everyone that worked with and around him. He was one of the sweetest horses to be around in the stall, but when he stepped foot on the track he was nothing but business. He was family.
"I want to also express my condolences to my owners Dan Eubanks and Raj and Vedhya Jagnanan who love their horses dearly, and to my staff who go above and beyond day in and day out to make sure our horses receive the best care.
"Thank you again to everyone who has reached out. It is much appreciated."
Bred by KatieRich Farms out of the Yes It's True mare Yesshesarocket, 9-year-old American Sailor, by City Zip, had a 15-9-3 record from 45 starts with earnings of $568,264. He had been purchased at 2 by Garry Simms on behalf of Steve Landers for $100,000 from the Silver Star consignment to the Ocala Breeders' Sales Spring 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale.
Three-year-old Beastie D, bred by Epona Racing Stable and Dark Horse Racing Stable out of the Concord Point mare Pointless, was a $15,000 purchase by Eubanks from James Layden's consignment to the 2021 Ocala Breeders' Sales Winter Mixed Sale.
