3-year-old has died after being struck by starting gate at N.B. horse racing track

By Canadian Press on June 16, 2025.

Police in New Brunswick say a three-year-old child has died after they were struck by the starting gate at a horse racing track in Woodstock, N.B.

The town’s chief of police Mark Bennett says the gate was being towed by a pickup truck as a harness race began Saturday afternoon around 1:20 p.m.

This type of race involves drivers in two-wheeled carts, pulled by horses.

The police chief says the child suffered major injuries and was pronounced dead at the Upper River Valley Hospital in Waterville, N.B.

Bennett says police are treating the fatality as a “tragic accident,” but they continue to investigate the matter.

Police are also encouraging anyone who attended the race to seek mental health or counselling support if needed.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 16, 2025.

The Canadian Press

11
-10