No equine injuries reported after groom drives into Belmont barn

A licensed groom at Belmont Park drove a Nissan Rogue into the south side of Barn 31 – the barn of Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher – just before 9 p.m. Saturday night, resulting in damage to the structure but no injuries to any horses that reside there.

The car came to stop outside stall 11, where the 3-year-old maiden colt Adventurist is stabled. The horse, a son of Curlin who brought $500,000 at auction, was not injured. According to the New York Racing Association, the horse was evaluated by NYRA veterinary department director Dr. Sarah Hinchliffe and was deemed sound and was permitted to train.

“We were fortunate the car stopped prior to crashing into his stall,” Pletcher said. “Our night staff reported it and immediately the proper authorities showed up.”

NYRA security and Nassau County police responded to the scene immediately and the individual was apprehended and subsequently arrested by the Nassau County police for driving while intoxicated.

By 1 p.m. Sunday, NYRA maintenance had completed all necessary repairs to the barn.

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