Fire At Local Race Track

SPRINGFIELD -- Arson is suspected in a wild barn blaze that killed 13 thoroughbred and two saddle horses at the Lincoln Downs Race Track here early this morning.

Ten horses escaped the inferno, two with their back set on fire.Only charred wooden supports remained of the barn, which burned from 4 a.m. till about noon.

Fire officials are focusing their investigation on the middle of the barn. According to assistant track manager Dan Bucci electrical outlets and heaters are located at the end of the barn. Fire officials are considering arson in their investigation.

Saddened by this catastrophe was jockey Albert Ramos, who when asked about his relationship with the horses said, "the horses were his best friends and that he loved horses more than people."