Harness Racing Filly Dies in Illinois State Fair Tragedy

A two-year-old harness racing filly died on August 13 in what her owner called “a one in a billion freak accident” at the Illinois State Fair Grandstand in Springfield.

The horse, named Lil Kell, was trained and co-owned by Dennis Gardner of West Salem, Illinois State Fair. During a warmup before a scheduled race, the filly bucked her driver, became loose, and fell into a track infield tunnel. The drop into the concrete structure was estimated at 20 to 30 feet.

Eyewitnesses said the racing accident began in turn two of the track. Lil Kell reared and unseated her driver, Travis Seekman. The horse, still attached to the sulky, leapt over the hub rail into the infield.

A spectator who asked not to be named said the filly ran along the infield’s edge toward the north end of the track. She appeared to try to jump back to the racing surface, but instead fell into the tunnel.

Gardner, a long-time horseman, believes a noise from a nearby carnival ride may have startled the filly.

“Once they lose their driver, they’re just a wild horse, a loose horse,” Gardner said. “You can’t predict what they’re going to do.”

He was in the paddock preparing other horses when he heard the announcer inform the crowd that a horse had reared up and thrown its driver.

“You automatically want to see if it’s your horse,” he said. “And it was.”

Lil Kell was one of 11 horses Gardner brought from southern Illinois for the Illinois State Fair races. He described her as full of energy and showing early promise for competition.

The loss has been felt among trainers, drivers, and owners present at the Illinois State Fair. Several participants expressed sympathy for Gardner and Seekman, noting that incidents with loose horses are rare but can turn dangerous quickly.

While safety protocols exist for both drivers and horses, there is little that can be done once an animal is running without control.

The infield tunnel is part of the Grandstand’s design, providing access for vehicles and people to the center of the track. Its depth made the fall fatal.

Officials said the tunnel meets current safety guidelines for racetracks. The incident has prompted some attendees to question whether extra barriers or temporary structures could help in the future.

Seekman, an expert Illinois harness racing driver, avoided serious injury when he was thrown during the racing incident. Witnesses said that they saw him afraid but remained on the grounds afterward.

Protective helmets and vests are the mandatory standard for drivers, and while they can reduce the risk of injury, the greater danger in such cases often lies with the horse.

Illinois Harness racing has been part of the Illinois State Fair for generations, drawing competitors from across the state. Standardbred horses, bred for horse racing at a trot or pace, are featured in these events.

The Illinois State Fair hosts several days of racing each August at the Springfield mile track. Racing accidents like the one involving Lil Kell are uncommon, but they remain a known risk within the sport.

Gardner said nothing could have prevented what happened once the filly was loose.

“She was just reacting as a frightened animal does,” he said. “We’re all heartbroken. You train them, care for them, and work with them every day. This is not just about racing, it’s about the bond you build.”

Despite the loss, Gardner said the rest of his horses will continue to race at the Illinois State Fair. His barn staff and fellow competitors have shown their support, though the atmosphere around his team has been subdued.

Illinois Harness Racing resumed at the Grandstand later the same day. The Illinois harness racing is still ongoing, but news of the racing accident spread quickly. Due to the large crowd, the racing accident overshadowed the rest of the day’s events.