The Preakness weekend got off to a somber start Friday at Laurel Park in Maryland, as a horse died following the opening race. Hit Zero, a 4-year-old gelding trained by Brittany Russell and owned by ItsTheJHo LLC and Evan Trommer, collapsed after crossing the finish line in Race 1. Track officials confirmed that veterinary personnel responded immediately but were unable to save the horse, who was ridden by Russell's husband, jockey Sheldon Russell. A necropsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death, with results shared publicly per HISA guidelines.
This tragedy comes during a pivotal time for Maryland racing, as Laurel Park hosts Preakness Stakes weekend events while Pimlico Race Course undergoes a $400 million renovation. The incident is a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in the sport, and it echoes past losses during Preakness festivities. In 2019, filly Congrats Gal collapsed and died in the Miss Preakness Stakes on the Friday before the big race, and in 2016, two horses died during early races on Preakness Saturday at Pimlico.
Earlier in Friday's card, a scary moment unfolded in Race 5 when Long Straw and Typhoon Kuhn collided on the final stretch, unseating jockey Carlos Lopez. Thankfully, both horses were reported to be fine, and Lopez walked off under his own power after receiving medical attention.
Laurel Park has faced scrutiny over track safety before. In April 2023, two colts were euthanized after injuries, leading to a canceled racing card. And in December 2021, a series of catastrophic breakdowns prompted the cancellation of two racing weekends, after which track officials added 1,200 tons of coarse sand to the dirt surface, citing winter weather conditions. The Maryland Racing Commission has pledged a thorough investigation into Friday's incident, stating, "We recognize the significance of this loss and are committed to conducting a thorough, transparent process."
As racing fans gear up for the Preakness Stakes, this heartbreaking moment serves as a powerful reminder of the need for continued vigilance in equine safety and welfare.