A 3-year-old colt named Hit Zero died shortly after completing his racing debut at Laurel Park on Friday, just a day before the Preakness Stakes. The Maryland Racing Commission confirmed the death was due to an apparent cardiac event, though the exact cause remains under investigation pending necropsy results.
Hit Zero, trained by Brittany Russell and ridden by her husband Sheldon Russell, was the favorite in the 6-furlong race but finished last after being eased toward the end. Another horse trained by Russell, Bold Fact, won the race. The colt collapsed after being unsaddled and began walking back to the barn, according to Dr. Dionne Benson, Chief Veterinary Officer for 1/ST Racing.
The commission has initiated a thorough review and investigation into the incident, emphasizing transparency in the process. Dr. Benson noted that fatalities in horse racing are rare, occurring in less than 1% of races, but stressed the importance of determining the cause to prevent future incidents.
Hit Zero was owned by ItsTheJHo, LLC and Evan Trommer. Russell also trains Taj Mahal, a top contender in the upcoming Preakness Stakes, which is being held at Laurel Park this year due to renovations at Pimlico Race Course.