The Meadowlands and its horsemen are teaming up to raise money for the victims of a horrific barn fire in Florida earlier this week. 12 race horses were killed in a fire at the South Florida Trotting Center late Tuesday night. 11 other horses were rescued, but suffered various injuries including two who were listed in critical condition. The fire broke out in a barn shared by harness racing trainers Roman Lopez and Thomas Haughton.
"This is everyone's worst nightmare that is involved with horses and we at the Meadowlands knew immediately it was our responsibility to do anything we can to help these horsemen who suffered the loss of their horses," said Meadowlands GM/CEO Jason M. Settlemoir.
Drivers and trainers competing this weekend at the Meadowlands are invited to fill out a form available in the paddock to pledge a percentage of their earnings to those affected by the fire.
The money will be deducted by the horsemen's bookkeeper and sent directly to the Florida Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association. Other owners or horsemen interested in donating are asked to contact Jennifer Bongiorno at the Meadowlands via email at jbongiorno@playmeadowlands.com or by calling (201) 460-4166.
Earlier this winter, the Meadowlands and its horsemen raised more than $30,000 for the victims of another barn fire in Ontario that killed 43 horses.
For more information, visit www.playmeadowlands.com.
***Note, a copy of the pledge form is included with this release***
Justin Horowitz