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What happened to Hit Zero at Laurel Park during Black-Eyed Susan Day?

Horse racing is a tough sport. There is no sugar-coating the fact that racing can be hard on young horses. Unfortunately for the horse Hit Zero and all of those in the horse’s orbit, Hit Zero passed away on Friday, May 15th. This occurred after the first race on Black-Eyed Susan Day of the Preakness 2026 Weekend.

What Happened to Hit Zero During Race 1 of the Black-Eyed Susan Day?

The Baltimore Sun was the first to report on the death of Hit Zero.

“A horse died following the opening race on Friday at Laurel Park as Preakness weekend festivities got underway, according to track officials,” the outlet wrote. “Hit Zero, trained by Brittany Russell and owned by the ItsTheJHoLL and Evan Trommer, died following Race 1 at Laurel Park. Race officials said veterinary personnel responded immediately but could not save the horse.”

“A necropsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death, according to Maryland racing officials. The incident came as the region prepares for the Preakness Stakes weekend festivities at Laurel Park.”

The Baltimore Sun reports that a necropsy is being conducted. Additionally, the Maryland Racing Commission released a statement that sheds further light on what happened.

“The Maryland Racing Commission confirms that Hit Zero, trained by Brittany Russell and owned by ItsTheJHo, LLC, and Evan Trommer, died of an apparent cardiac event on Friday, May 15, 2026, following Race 1 at Laurel Park,” the statement reads. “Veterinary personnel responded immediately. The Commission extends its acknowledgment of this loss to the horse’s connections and to the equine community. The Equine Medical Director attended to Hit Zero and has initiated a full post-incident review consistent with Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) Equine Fatality Reporting Requirements.”

“A necropsy will be conducted and cause of death will not be confirmed until necropsy findings have been reviewed and verified.”

Hit Zero’s Jockey, Trainer, & Owner

Race 1 on Friday, May 15th, was the first major race that Hit Zero had ever participated in. Here is the team that supported Hit Zero:

• Jockey: Sheldon Russell
• Trainer: Brittany Russell
• Owner: ItsTheJHo, LLC, Evan Trommer

Sheldon and Brittany Russell are both husband and wife in addition to being a jockey-trainer duo. They are residents of Maryland.

For this weekend, Hit Zero and Taj Mahal are their horses competing in races. For Hit Zero, it was their first race. However, for Taj Mahal, they are looking at capturing the Preakness Stakes come Saturday.

Post Time, Wondrwherecraigis, Apple Picker, Doppleganger, and Full Count Felicia are some of the other horses that Brittany has trained.

When Taj Mahal hits the track for Saturday’s Preakness Stakes, it is an opportunity at history for Brittany. She can become the first female trainer to earn the middle jewel of the Triple Crown.

Whether or not she is successful, the occasion will still be marked by the tragedy of losing Hit Zero.