An owner's 'dream-come-true-day' ended in heartbreak when his horse collapsed and died after running its first race on the opening day of the historic Preakness Stakes meeting.
Justin Horowitz had waited 19 months to see Hit Zero, who he named in honour of his ten-year-old daughter Bailey, make his debut on the track.
Hit Zero, trained by Brittany Russell and ridden by her husband Sheldon, went off favourite for the eight-runner race at Laurel Park, this year's venue of the second leg of the US Triple Crown. After duelling for the lead, he was eased in the stretch and crossed the line last, before collapsing on the track.
The Equibase footnote said: 'Following the race Hit Zero collapsed on the walk back to the barn and was transported off the track via the equine ambulance.'
Vets were unable to save the three-year-old with the Maryland Jockey Club later confirming he had died of 'an apparent cardiac event'.
'The Equine Medical Director attended to Hit Zero and has initiated a full post-incident review consistent with Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority equine fatality reporting requirements,' a statement said. 'A necropsy will be conducted and cause of death will not be confirmed until necropsy findings have been reviewed and verified.'
Russell, the leading trainer at Laurel, posted: 'We are devastated. Hit Zero suffered a medical event walking home after his debut today at Laurel. He was a beloved colt by so many in our barn, owned by our friend Justin Horowitz and Evan Trommer, and named by Justin's daughter. He was truly a family horse. We are heartbroken.'
Horowitz shared pictures of Hit Zero in the lead-up to the race on his social media and included his own tribute after a 'brutally tough day'.
'It is with the deepest sadness that I have to announce the death of my beautiful horse, Hit Zero,' he wrote. 'After his debut race today at Laurel Park, he suffered a sudden medical event and passed away.
'What was supposed to be a dream-come-true-day to kick off his career - on my son's 6th birthday no less - ended in the tragedy that every horse lover fears. I hold in my heart that 'Hit Z' lived his last day doing what he loved most; with the people he loved most.'
He thanked co-owner Evan Trommer, the Russells and their team for their care of Hit Zero.
'Hit Zero was named in honor of my 10-year-old daughter, Bailey, who got to miss school so she could stand next to me today to watch Hit Z's first and sadly last race,' he added. 'Hit Zero is a cheerleading term meaning 'hitting the routine' perfectly with zero deductions. While today was anything but perfect, his short life was lived with 'zero deductions' and he will live on in my heart always.'
