The New York State Gaming Commission has launched a statewide review of racetrack horse-barn fire safety after the June 16 Saratoga Casino Hotel blaze that killed 17 standardbred horses.
The regulator said a panel will examine the circumstances of the fire and assess fire prevention and suppression infrastructure at all 11 New York State racetracks.
The move gives the Saratoga tragedy a wider regulatory consequence beyond the immediate memorials and relief efforts already announced for the affected horsemen, trainers, staff and backstretch workers.
New York Panel To Report Findings To Commission
According to the New York State Gaming Commission announcement, the review will be led by Commissioner Martin Mack, with Commissioners Peter Moschetti and Jerry Skurnik also on the panel.
Commission chairman Brian O’Dwyer said the body is carrying out an immediate review of existing fire prevention methods and what more can be done to stop another tragedy.
The commission said current rules require racetrack structures to comply with local building codes, with tracks providing evidence of compliance as part of their annual licence applications.
It added that barns at NYRA-operated Saratoga Race Course, Belmont Park and Aqueduct already have fire prevention and suppression measures.
The panel’s findings will be reported to the full commission when complete. In the meantime, the review keeps pressure on New York racing to show that the welfare response after Saratoga is structural, not only symbolic.
