No injuries in Palm Beach Downs fire

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – No people or horses were injured in a pre-dawn fire that destroyed the track kitchen Wednesday at the Palm Beach Downs training center in unincorporated Delray Beach, Fla., according to a fire department report.

Capt. Albert Borroto, a spokesman for Palm Beach County Fire and Rescue, said in a press release that a suspect was arrested and booked on a charge of second-degree arson. Damage to the track kitchen was estimated at $50,000.

Six barns housing racehorses are on the 85-acre grounds at Palm Beach Downs, with four in use by Todd Pletcher and one by George Weaver. Both trainers were in Ocala for a sale when the fire occurred.

◗ Ivy Bell will be making her first start since being purchased privately and transferred into Pletcher’s care when part of a small field in the lone stakes here this weekend, the Grade 2, $200,000 Inside Information on Saturday.

Ivy Bell, a 5-year-old mare by Archarcharch, was first or second in 10 of 15 starts for former owner Brook Smith and trainer Billy Denzik. Jordan’s Henny and Just Be Kind are among the other fillies and mares expected for the seven-furlong Inside Information.