SARATOGA SPRINGS — A fire erupted at the Saratoga Casino Hotel harness racing track at approximately 2:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday, destroying a barn and killing 17 horses. The fire originated in the backstretch area of the racetrack.

One horse escaped the fire with minor injuries. No human injuries or fatalities were reported. The barn that was destroyed housed up to 18 horses. Employees discovered the fire when they arrived to feed horses and clean stalls.

Eleven of the deceased horses belonged to trainer Robyn Mongiardo, and six belonged to trainer Timothy Benson. The fire was contained to a single barn. Officials from the hotel and nearby facilities assisted in evacuating horses from surrounding barns. Approximately 350 horses are typically housed in the racetrack's backstretch area.

The Saratoga Springs Fire Department is investigating the cause of the fire. Races at the casino were canceled for the remainder of Tuesday. The hotel announced it will coordinate with Saratoga Hospital to provide grief counseling for affected trainers, caretakers, and owners.

More than $30,000 was raised for affected horsemen by Tuesday afternoon through a fundraising page. Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness announced plans to hold a memorial service for the deceased horses.

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

Sam Gerrity, Chief Executive Officer of the hotel, also expressed condolences. "The loss suffered today is heartbreaking for our racing community." Gerrity said. "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."

The hotel operates a live harness racing track that measures half a mile. The hotel is not affiliated with Saratoga Race Course, which is located across the street. Horse racing has been held in Saratoga Springs since the 1840s.