By: Allison Nichols
SPRINGFIELD- An arsonist may have started a barn fire that killed 13 thoroughbreds and two saddle horses at the Lincoln Downs Race Track here, one day before the opening of the racing season.
SPRINGFIELD- An arsonist may have started a barn fire that killed 13 thoroughbreds and two saddle horses at the Lincoln Downs Race Track here, one day before the opening of the racing season.
“The fire exploded near the center of the barn. Flames were shooting out of the building when we got here,” said fire Chief Bernard Perry. Now, only a few rows of charred wooden supports remain.
10 horses escaped the fire, two of which stampeded through the barnyard with their backs on fire.
The fire started in the middle of the barn, according to Perry said. Heaters and electrical outlets are located at the end of the barn, said assistant general manager of the track Dan Bucci. Arson is a focus of the investigation.
Pointing to the horses, jockey Albert Ramos said, “Those are my best friends. I love horses more than I do people. I feel like I want to cry.”
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