NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Two horses died after a fire broke out inside a barn at Belmont Park on Tuesday, the track’s operator said.
The blaze tore through Barn 60 at the horse racing track on Long Island around 6:05 p.m. on Tuesday, the New York Racing Association said in a press release.
Fifty-eight horses were evacuated safely, but two horses belonging to trainer Wayne Potts passed away, the association said.
No barn staff members or New York Racing Association employees were injured, the release noted.
“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,” NYRA President and CEO Dave O’Rourke said in a statement.
“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,” he added.
It wasn’t immediately clear what sparked the blaze. An investigation is ongoing.