A three-year-old has died following a tragic harness racing incident at Connell Park Raceway in Woodstock.
The River Valley Sun reports the boy was struck by the starting racing gate attached to the pacing truck.
Simon Watts, deputy police chief, said they were called to the scene at around 1:20 p.m. Saturday.
Watts told the paper that it appears to have been a tragic accident, but added they are still in the early stages of their investigation.
Dr. Mitchell Downey, president of Horse Racing New Brunswick, said they are deeply saddened by the tragedy.
Downey told the paper they are cooperating with police, the coroner’s office and the Atlantic Provinces Racing Commission, which are all investigating.
He believes this is only the third time in North America someone has died from being struck by the starting gate.
The raceway will remain closed until the investigation is complete.
