Harness racing in Woodstock resumes on Monday after a seven-week pause following an accident that killed a child.
Races were suspended at Connell Park Raceway in June after a three-year-old was fatally struck by a mobile starting gate. The child’s death prompted an investigation along with a safety review, resulting in some upgrades at the track.
The Town of Woodstock released a statement late last month stating the municipality had discussions with the Woodstock Driving Club, which organizes the harness races.
The Town of Woodstock conducted a safety review of the Connell Park Raceway after the child was fatally struck. (Shane Fowler/CBC)
“The club has implemented several changes to further enhance safety and has agreed to comply with additional town requests, allowing harness racing to resume,” the town said.
The municipality’s statement didn’t list the changes.
However, recent photos from the track show new metal fencing lining the white wooden fence that separates the spectators from the track itself. The new fence appears to be taller and harder for people to get through.
The wooden fence seen in the picture was the only barrier between spectators and the track itself prior to the new fencing. (Connell Park Raceway/ Facebook)
The town statement also mentioned hiring a third party to develop a guide for organizers planning to host temporary events on municipal property.
“This guide will clearly outline the responsibilities of event organizers to assess and manage risks, develop emergency response plans, ensure proper facility and spectator management,” the town said.
There are 10 races scheduled on Monday’s race card, which is set to start at 2 p.m.
Several race days were cancelled due to an investigation following the accident. It is not known if those dates will be rescheduled.
The Town of Woodstock, Horse Racing New Brunswick and the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Association did not reply to interview requests.
The driving club declined an interview on Saturday.