A HORSE died after collapsing moments after crossing the finish line in a tragic start to Preakness weekend.

Hit Zero suddenly went down following a race during Friday’s Black-Eyed Susan day card at Laurel Park in Maryland, as reported by the New York Post.

The horse had been ridden by top jockey Irad Ortiz Jr.

Officials said Hit Zero collapsed shortly after completing the race.

Dr. Dionne Benson, the Chief Veterinary Officer, revealed the horse appeared to suffer a medical episode moments after the finish.

Benson told WBAL-TV: “The horse started coughing, went down to his knees and collapsed.”

She added the symptoms can often point to a heart-related issue.

However, officials stressed there is currently no confirmed cause of death.

A full necropsy will now be carried out on Hit Zero, who was trained by Brittany Russell.

The Black-Eyed Susan event was moved from Pimlico Race Course this year due to ongoing renovations at the historic venue.

Pimlico has previously been rocked by several horse deaths during Preakness weekend.

In 2019, horse Congrats Gal collapsed and died after the Miss Preakness Stakes, while two more horses died at the track during the 2016 event.