Suspect in Custody After 30 Horses Are Killed at Racetrack in New York
Tragedy Strikes as Arsonist Kills 30 Horses at New York Racetrack
Heartbreak and unanswered questions consume the owners of 30 horses who tragically lost their lives in a devastating fire at a racetrack in New York state. The culprit, Boyd H. Fenton, has been apprehended and faces multiple charges including arson and assault, as reported by The New York Times.
However, the motive behind this horrific act remains a mystery as Fenton remains in custody at the Tioga County Correctional Facility. The fire, which engulfed the stable in the early hours of Thursday, has left the horse owners devastated and searching for answers.
Kayla Morris, who lost 12 horses in the blaze, expressed her anguish, saying, “It’s soul-destroying. It’s taken everything from us.” The fire, which occurred just across the state line from Pennsylvania, was already raging when Edgar and Cheri Clarke arrived at the scene.
Edgar Clarke, a Standardbred horse trainer, attempted to save the animals by using a fire extinguisher to access the barn. Unfortunately, his efforts resulted in second-degree burns on his face. Cheri Clarke also tried to find another entrance but was unable to rescue the horses.
“How can I go from having a barn full of horses one minute to not even having a snap the next minute.” – Cheri Clarke, who lost 6 horses in the Tioga Downs fire.
Absolutely devastating.
– Jessica Hallett (@JHallettPhoto) November 12, 2023
Kayla Morris, who rushed to the barn upon hearing about the fire, described her desperate attempts to save the horses. She tearfully recounted, ”I tried to get in the barn, but I just couldn’t because the fire was just so hot, and I just screamed and screamed. I sat for four hours and watched it burn and just hoped — hoped — that one of them would come out.”
Edgar Clarke, still grappling with the loss, shared, “The last few days are the first time in my entire life I’ve not had a horse.” The emotional toll has prevented him from returning to Tioga Downs, one of the state’s harness racing tracks.
Among the horses lost, Kayla Morris fondly remembered Better Call Saul, an 11-year-old horse who held a special place in her heart. She described him as cheeky, funny, and always hungry, saying, “He just wanted to be loved.”
The horses have been laid to rest near the backstretch at Tioga Downs, where a monument will be erected to honor their memory, according to HarnessLink.
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The post Suspect in Custody After 30 Horses Are Killed at Racetrack in New York appeared first on The Western Journal.
What fundraising efforts have been organized to help the affected owners and trainers recover from their losses
Newsarticle/horse-racetrack-arsonist-kills-30-horses”>Harnesslink. The horse racing community has rallied together to support the owners and trainers affected by this tragedy.
George Turner, the owner of Tioga Downs, released a statement expressing his deep sorrow and vowing to ensure the safety of the remaining horses. He said, ”This is a devastating loss for our entire community, but we will come together to support each other and do everything in our power to prevent such a horrific incident from happening again.”
The investigation into the motive behind Boyd H. Fenton’s abhorrent actions continues, leaving everyone involved searching for answers. Authorities are working diligently to gather evidence and piece together the events leading up to the arson attack. The New York State Police and local law enforcement departments are collaborating, and the community has been encouraged to come forward with any information that might be relevant to the case.
In the wake of this tragedy, there has been an outpouring of support from the public. Fundraisers and donations have been organized to help the affected owners and trainers recover from their losses and rebuild their lives. The horse racing community, known for its strong bonds and camaraderie, has united in solidarity to offer assistance and consolation in this trying time.
As the investigation unfolds and the legal process takes its course, the memory of the 30 horses lost in the Tioga Downs fire will forever live on. Their legacy will serve as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the horse racing community, as they come together to heal and rebuild from this heartbreaking tragedy.
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