Woodstock to hold support session after toddler’s death at horse racing track

The Town of Woodstock is seen in New Brunswick on June 18, 2025. (Nick Moore/CTV Atlantic)

A community support session is scheduled for Wednesday evening in Woodstock, N.B., following the death of a toddler at the town’s horse racing track this past weekend.

The support session will be held at the AYR Motor Centre from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the facility’s lower-level Rotary Room.

A social media post from the Town of Woodstock says Wednesday’s support session, which will offer both one-on-one and group conversations with mental health professionals, is open to everybody.

The session will also include resources and information for people to take home, as well as guidance on where to access additional support.

According to both the Woodstock Police Force and the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission, a three-year-old child was struck by a starting gate at the Connell Park Raceway on Saturday around 1:20 p.m.

The child was taken to the Upper River Valley Hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries.

The incident happened during a live race. Woodstock police are calling the incident a “tragic accident” but are not confirming the circumstances surrounding how the child was struck.

On Wednesday, Woodstock Police Deputy Chief Simon Watts said the investigation was still ongoing.

The Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission (APHRC) is also conducting an internal review of the incident.

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