NEWS
Fire destroys main barn at Double D Farm in Ohio
Posted: Thursday, July 16, 2009 3:09 PM
by Frank Angst
One pensioned broodmare died in a Wednesday morning fire at Double D Farm that destroyed the main barn at the northeast Ohio Thoroughbred farm.
While employees were relieved that no people were injured in the fire and that equine loss of life was not greater, the fire did destroy the Medina, Ohio, farm’s 30,000 square-foot barn. The grand white barn featured 100 stalls and a signature cupola.
Jevon Crumley, manager and trainer for the farm, said most of the 65 Thoroughbreds were in the paddock when the fire began at about 7:30 or 8 a.m. on Wednesday morning. He said there were about 20 Thoroughbreds in the barn at the time of the fire, and all but one were evacuated from the structure.
Agacerie, a 28-year-old Exclusive Native mare, lost her life in the fire. Agacerie won six stakes in her racing career and set a turf course record of 2:29.40 for 1½ miles at Garden State Park when she won a division of the 1985 Vineland Handicap (G3). Agacerie, who finished third in the ’85 Flower Bowl Handicap (G1) for owner-breeder Tartan Farms, produced seven winners from eight starters.
The 110-acre farm owned by Carl Ackerman and Carole Hassell is where Grade 1 winner Harlan’s Holiday was born. Double D Farm privately sold Harlan’s Holiday in January 2000 during his yearling year.
Crumley said the farm is very appreciative of its friends and neighbors.
“We’ve had so many calls and e-mails from people offering to help out,” said Crumley, who noted that thanks to their generosity, arrangements have been made to house the displaced Thoroughbreds.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Frank Angst is senior writer for THOROUGHBRED TIMES
