Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association

06/19/2026

Barn Fire Donations
The SHHA has been receiving calls from the public for addresses and phone numbers of the trainers involved. The SHHA does not provide personal phone numbers or addresses of members. However, if you wish to donate to the trainers individually, please make your check payable to the individual trainer and mail the
donation to:
Saratoga Harness Horsepersons Association
PO Box 171
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Our administrative assistant, Karen Kamal, will ensure Tim Benson and Robyn Mangiardi, respectively, receive the donations.

Thank you to all for your overwhelming support during their time of need. It is greatly appreciated.

The SHHA Board of Directors.

06/18/2026

Program Monday 6/22/26

The Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association is an organization of owners, breeders, trainers, drivers and caretakers of Standardbred horses, whose purpose is to promote the welfare of Harness Racing in the United States and Canada with special regard to the Saratoga Springs.

06/18/2026

Program Sunday 6/21/26

The Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association is an organization of owners, breeders, trainers, drivers and caretakers of Standardbred horses, whose purpose is to promote the welfare of Harness Racing in the United States and Canada with special regard to the Saratoga Springs.

06/17/2026

: NYRA is donating $50,000 to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association following Tuesday’s deadly barn fire. New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association will contribute an additional $10,000. There's also a way YOU can help. ➡️ https://cbs6albany.com/news/local/nyra-announces-50-thousand-dollar-donation-after-saratoga-harness-track-barn-fire

06/17/2026

💙 In the wake of Tuesday’s heartbreaking barn fire, Saratoga Casino Hotel has announced a $100,000 donation to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson's Association to support horsemen, trainers, staff, and backstretch workers impacted by the tragedy.

The casino will also host fundraising efforts throughout its Sunset Saturday Series this summer and is planning a memorial service to honor the 17 horses lost in the fire, with details to be announced soon.

Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this devastating loss and the entire harness racing community as they begin the healing process. 🐴💙

06/16/2026

Program Saturday 6/10/26

The Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association is an organization of owners, breeders, trainers, drivers and caretakers of Standardbred horses, whose purpose is to promote the welfare of Harness Racing in the United States and Canada with special regard to the Saratoga Springs.

06/16/2026

SCH UPDATE ON BACKSTRETCH FIRE
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (June 16, 2026) — Saratoga Casino Hotel and the Saratoga Harness Horsepersons Association are providing an update regarding the barn fire that occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. this morning in the backstretch area of the harness racetrack.

Officials have confirmed that 17 horses perished in the fire. The barn housed a total of 18 horses and was completely destroyed. One horse escaped the barn and sustained minor injuries.

The horses belonged to two trainers who stabled their horses in the barn. Trainer Robyn Mangiardi lost 11 horses, while trainer Timothy Benson lost six horses.

The fire was contained to a single barn and did not spread to adjacent structures. Security personnel from both Saratoga Casino Hotel and the nearby Saratoga Racecourse, along with emergency responders, acted quickly to evacuate horses from neighboring barns and secure the surrounding area. Approximately 350 horses are typically housed in the backstretch.

“The loss suffered today is heartbreaking for our racing community,” said Sam Gerrity, Chief Executive Officer of Saratoga Casino Hotel. “Our thoughts remain with Robyn, Tim, their teams, the horse owners, and everyone affected by this tragedy. We are deeply grateful to the security personnel, first responders, and racing staff whose swift actions helped protect the horses and people in the surrounding barns.”

Saratoga Casino Hotel is working with Saratoga Hospital to make grief counseling services available to trainers, caretakers, owners, and other members of the backstretch community affected by this tragedy. Information regarding counseling resources will be provided directly to those impacted.

"This is a sobering day in our industry, a horse person’s worst nightmare. We express our deep condolences to all impacted and thank all emergency responders and track workers for their quick response," said Henry Westbrook, President Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association.

The area remains closed as investigators continue to determine the cause of the fire.

Saratoga Casino Hotel will hold a memorial service to honor the horses lost in the fire. Details regarding the service will be announced at a later date.

06/16/2026

In the very early morning hours of June 16th, a fire started in one of the… Jessica Hallett needs your support for Support Saratoga Horsemen After Tragic Fire