Latest news with #AtlanticProvincesHarnessRacingCommission
CTV News
7 hours ago
- CTV News
Multiple investigations underway following toddler's death at N.B. horse racing track
A community support session is being held in Woodstock, N.B., following the death of a child at a horse racing track. Multiple investigations and reviews are underway following the death of a toddler Saturday at a horse racing track in Woodstock, N.B. A community support session was held Wednesday evening at the town's AYR Motor Centre. A social media post from the Town of Woodstock said the support session was open to everyone, with one-on-one and group conversations hosted by mental health professionals. The session also included resources and information for people to take home and guidance about 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 in Waterville, N.B., where they died from their injuries. The incident happened during a live race. Woodstock police are calling the incident a 'tragic accident' but aren't confirming the circumstances of how the child was struck. On Wednesday, Woodstock Police Deputy Chief Simon Watts said the investigation was still ongoing. 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. The Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission is also 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. A RibFest event scheduled at the track this weekend is proceeding as scheduled. The status of upcoming horse races at the track, including an event scheduled for June 28, is unknown. Woodstock The town of Woodstock, N.B., is pictured (Nick Moore/CTV Atlantic). For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTV News
11 hours ago
- CTV News
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 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. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTV News
3 days ago
- CTV News
‘Tragic accident': New Brunswick town ‘heartbroken' after child dies at race track
A fatality at a horse raceway in Woodstock, N.B. Saturday is under investigation. A small New Brunswick town is mourning the loss of a young child who died at a harness racing event on Saturday and is organizing crisis support services for the community. 'The Town of Woodstock is heartbroken following the tragic accident on June 14th during the opening day of harness racing at Connell Park Raceway that resulted in the loss of life of a young child in attendance,' said the town in a Facebook post Monday morning. 'Crisis support services for the community impacted by this tragedy are being organized through provincial crisis intervention healthcare providers.' The town says it will release more details on its website and social media channels as they become available. Child's death under investigation Police and the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission (APHRC) are both investigating the incident at the Connell Park Raceway in Woodstock, located roughly 100 kilometres west of Fredericton. Few details have been released, but the APHRC says the child died after they were struck by the starting gate during a live race at the track. 'Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the family, friends, and all those affected by this devastating loss,' said the APHRC in a statement. 'This is an unimaginable tragedy that has deeply impacted the harness racing community.' The commission says it is cooperating with police as they investigate the child's death and is also conducting its own internal review to 'examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to assess any measures that can be taken to prevent anything like this from happening again.' The APHRC, which is responsible for governing, regulating and supervising harness racing in the Atlantic provinces, says it's also in communication with Horse Racing New Brunswick. The president of Horse Racing New Brunswick, Dr. Mitchell Downey, did not elaborate on the incident but said the organization is cooperating with police, the coroner's office and the APHRC in the investigation. 'The entire racing community is deeply saddened by the tragic events of June 14,' Downey said in an email to CTV News. The Woodstock Police Force confirmed in a Facebook post Saturday night that it is investigating a 'tragic incident that resulted in a fatality' at the Woodstock Raceway. 'We are in the early stages of the investigation, but at this time, it appears to be a tragic accident. In order to ensure a thorough investigation, the track will be closed until it is completed,' said Chief Mark Bennett in the post. 'Please bear with us, as we work through this difficult time. When more information becomes available, we will share what we can.' Police also shared the town's Facebook post Monday morning, urging people who are struggling with the news to seek help. 'The impact of this weekend's tragedy at Connell Park Raceway can be overwhelming,' said the Woodstock Police Force. 'The death of any member of a small community has a profound and lasting impact, but when it is a young child, widespread grief, fear and vulnerability are natural responses. Please do not hesitate to reach out.' Donations for the family Meanwhile, the Connell Park Raceway says the Woodstock Driving Club is accepting donations to help support the child's family with expenses. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
Global News
3 days ago
- Global News
Child killed after being hit by starting gate at horse race in New Brunswick
The Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission (APHRC) says a young child was struck and killed during a live horse racing event by the starting gate. APHRC said the incident happened on Saturday at Woodstock Raceway in New Brunswick and confirmed the child's death. 'Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the family, friends, and all those affected by this devastating loss,' said Kyle Burton, director of racing for APHRC. 'This is an unimaginable tragedy that has deeply impacted the harness racing community.' Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The commission said it is fully cooperating with police as they conduct their investigation. It is also conducting its own internal review to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident 'and to assess any measures that can be taken to prevent anything like this from happening again.' Woodstock Police Force said it is investigating the fatality at the racetrack. Story continues below advertisement 'We are in the early stages of the investigation, but at this time, it appears to be a tragic accident. In order to ensure a thorough investigation, the track will be closed until it is completed,' the police force said. APHRC said it would not provide further details out of respect for those affected and for the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
