Woodstock Police Force recover damaged truck, but the starting gate is still missing
The Woodstock Police Force is investigating the theft of a half-ton truck and attached starting gate from the Connell Park Raceway in Woodstock.
Police said the theft occurred between 10 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16, when the truck was last seen, and 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, when it was discovered missing.
Woodstock Police Force Sgt. Paula Hanson said the registered owner of the 2006 silver Ford F150 was Horse Racing New Brunswick. She said the truck was used to pull the starting gates used at harness racing events at the track.
Hanson said the starting gates were attached to the truck when it was stolen.
She said police recovered the damaged truck near Beardsley Road in Woodstock on Tuesday but not the starting gates.
Hanson said the truck sustained significant damage, but a mechanic will have to determine whether it can be repaired.
She said the loss of the truck and starting gates delivers a big blow to the harness-racing community, noting that the local Woodstock horse club and Horse Racking New Brunswick have worked hard over the past two years to establish Connell Park Raceway as a vital part of the circuit.
Hanson said local harness racing officials must seek an alternative option to replace the starting gate.
“It’s a shame,” she said. “There’s a lot of good people working to strengthen the industry in the area.
Hanson said the selfish act of someone means the harness-racing community must spend money to repair or replace the truck and starting gate that could be better used elsewhere to improve the sport.
She said the Woodstock Police Force is continuing to investigate the theft.
Police ask that anyone with information regarding the theft contact the Woodstock Police Force at (506)325-4601 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.
