Races at N.B. horse track postponed pending investigation after child’s death

Horse racing in Woodstock, N.B., has been suspended following the death of a three-year-old at an event earlier this month.

Two upcoming races at a horse racing track in Woodstock, N.B., have been postponed pending an investigation after the death of a three-year-old child at the track earlier this month.

Horse Racing New Brunswick says the Walter Dale Invitational on June 28 and Ted & Dawn Bremner Stakes on July 5 will be rescheduled after the ongoing investigation and safety review of the Connell Park Raceway are complete.

“Racing will not resume at Connell Park until any and all recommendations are implemented,” said Horse Racing New Brunswick in a statement.

The Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission is conducting an internal review of the incident.

The Town of Woodstock says a comprehensive safety review of the Connell Park Raceway is underway, including a safety review of all upcoming events at the location.

According to both the Woodstock Police Force and the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission, the child was struck by a starting gate, which was being towed by a truck, at the Connell Park Raceway around 1:20 p.m. on June 14.

The child was taken to the Upper River Valley Hospital in Waterville, N.B., where they died from their injuries. The child has not been identified.

The incident happened during a live race. Woodstock police called the incident a “tragic accident” but haven’t confirmed the circumstances of how the child was struck.

All deaths of individuals aged 18 and under that are reported to the coroner are reviewed by the Child Death Review Committee once all investigations are complete.

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