3-Year-Old Hit Zero Dies After Debut Collapse at Laurel Park

A 3-year-old racehorse died after collapsing shortly following his debut race at Laurel Park in Maryland on Friday, a day before the track hosts the Preakness Stakes. The Maryland Racing Commission identified the colt as Hit Zero and said he died of an apparent cardiac event. Track veterinarians and the track’s equine medical team responded immediately after the race, and a necropsy has been ordered to determine the official cause of death.

Hit Zero was making his first start in the opening race on Black-Eyed Susan Day, a six-furlong contest. Entering as the race favorite, he dueled for the lead before being eased in the stretch and finishing last in a field of eight. Afterward, he collapsed while walking back toward the barn, according to officials, and was transported off the track by an equine ambulance. The Maryland Jockey Club later confirmed the death, stating that vets were unable to save the colt.

The trainer of Hit Zero, Brittany Russell, said the horse suffered a medical event walking home after his debut and described him as a “family horse.” In a message posted after the death, she wrote: We are devastated. Hit Zero suffered a medical event walking home after his...