Horsemen Affected by Fire to Get Assistance

Magna Entertainment, owner of The Meadows, hopes to raise about $25,000 Friday night to assist horsemen who lost Standardbreds in a barn fire at the western Pennsylvania racetrack July 6.

Magna, which purchased the harness track a few months ago, will match dollar for dollar any bet in the win pool for Friday's eighth race. The money will assist trainers, stable employees and their families, Elmer Schweninger, executive director of the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association, told the Associated Press.

Four owners lost horses in the fire that caused more than $2 million worth of damage in lost horses, equipment, and property. The owners association has an insurance policy that is capped at $250,000 and divided among the owners who sustained losses.

A benefit concert at the racetrack and televised auction also are planned for Friday. Rosecroft Raceway, located in Maryland, plans to raise money Friday evening for the affected Meadows horsemen with a similar wagering-pool promotion.