The buzz around the 2026 Preakness Stakes turned somber Friday when a tragic incident struck Laurel Park. Hit Zero, a horse trained by Brittany Russell, collapsed and died right after crossing the finish line in the first race of the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes — the undercard event that typically kicks off Preakness weekend. The death came roughly 24 hours before the main event, casting a pall over the festivities.
According to WBAL Radio’s Scott Wykoff, Hit Zero began coughing before dropping to his knees on the track. The sudden collapse happened moments after the race ended, leaving onlookers stunned. Despite immediate attention, the horse could not be saved.
Dr. Dionne Benson, a veterinarian involved in the post-incident review, emphasized that such fatalities are extraordinarily rare. “Fatalities are less than 1% of 1% of horseracing overall,” Dr. Benson told WBAL-TV 11 News. She explained that every horse that dies on a Maryland racetrack undergoes a necropsy, followed by a meeting with the trainer to identify any abnormalities. However, she noted that sudden deaths are often hard to explain, particularly if an electrical abnormality leaves no trace in the heart after death.
The incident adds a layer of heartbreak to an already turbulent Preakness build-up. Earlier this week, Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo was officially scratched from the Preakness, dashing hopes of a Triple Crown run. Trainer Cherie DeVaux, who faced criticism for the decision, defended the move in a statement: “We are incredibly appreciative of the excitement and support surrounding the possibility of a Triple Crown run. Golden gave us the race of a lifetime in the Kentucky Derby, and we believe the best decision for him moving forward is to give him a little more time following such a tremendous effort. His health, happiness and long-term future will always remain our top priority.”
The decision has sparked a broader debate about the demands of the Triple Crown schedule. Critics like Chuck Todd have called the calendar “self-defeating,” arguing that the tight turnaround between the Derby and Preakness pressures trainers to push horses too hard. The criticism of the Triple Crown schedule has intensified as more top contenders skip the second leg.
Without Golden Tempo, the field for the 151st Preakness Stakes has shifted. Taj Mahal, a 5-1 favorite, now leads the betting odds. The race is set to air on NBC with a post time of 6:50 p.m. ET on Saturday.
As the horse racing community grapples with the loss of Hit Zero, Dr. Benson’s words underscore the ongoing challenge of preventing such tragedies. “The goal is preventing any future fatalities,” she said, though she acknowledged that sudden death cases often remain a mystery even after thorough investigation.
For now, the focus remains on honoring Hit Zero’s memory and ensuring the sport continues to prioritize horse welfare. The Preakness will go on, but the shadow of Friday’s events will linger long after the final furlong.
