Racehorse Hit Zero Dies After Collapsing at Laurel Park

Hit Zero, a 3-year-old colt, collapsed after crossing the finish line in the first race at Laurel Park on Friday. The horse was the favorite in the 6-furlong event but finished last after being eased in the final stretch. The Maryland Racing Commission stated that Hit Zero died of an apparent cardiac event. Officials said a full necropsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

Background on the Event The Black-Eyed Susan Stakes was moved to Laurel Park this year because of renovations at Pimlico Race Course. The race is normally held at Pimlico as part of Preakness weekend. Hit Zero was trained by Brittany Russell and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. The horse was owned by ItsTheJHo, LLC and Evan Trommer.

In 2019, Congrats Gal collapsed and died during the Miss Preakness Stakes. In 2016, two horses died on the same day at the track. The Maryland Racing Commission said it has started all required review and investigation protocols following the death.