Woodstock safety review cancels lawnmower races, changes truck and tractor pull setup
The death of a three-year-old at the harness races at Woodstock’s Connell Park Raceway on June 14 remains under investigation as organizers of events held at the town-owned facility begin to make changes to the way they operate.
On Monday, July 7, Woodstock Police Force (WPF) Deputy Chief Simon Watts told the River Valley Sun that his department continues to investigate the tragedy and has been in communication with other organizations that are also looking into the accident. However, he would not comment on whether they were close to concluding their investigation or whether any charges would be laid. Previously, Horse Racing New Brunswick and the Woodstock Driving Club said they were cooperating with the police and their governing body, the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission, which is also conducting an investigation.
A toddler was struck by the starting gate attached to the pacing truck at the beginning of the second race of the card. Off-duty first responders at the track tried to help the child before being transported to the Upper River Valley Hospital, where he later died.
At a news conference on June 16, WPF Deputy Chief Simon Watts asked members of the public to share any recordings or eyewitness accounts they had of the event.
Shortly after the accident, the Town of Woodstock, which owns the track but leases it to organizations, including the Woodstock Driving Club, announced that it would proceed with a “comprehensive safety review” before allowing any further events at the track, cancelling the lawnmower races planned for June 22, and suspending its use for harness racing until further notice.
The town stated their review of Connell Park Raceway would “ensure that all future events at the venue provide a safe environment for both participants and spectators.”
In an email to the River Valley Sun on July 7, Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones said town officials continue to prioritize public safety at the facility.
“We don’t have much of a comment yet other than to reiterate that staff have been meeting with each event organizer individually to review event site plans, safety plans, and to ensure all event applications are completed in full and all documentation has been received,” Jones wrote.
Town officials have not met with Woodstock Driving Club members. Jones said they will wait for the conclusion of the police investigation.
Scott Seeley is the head of Safety and Tech for the Maritime Truck and Tractor Pull Association, which governs the Woodstock Truck and Tractor Pull. The event is scheduled for July 11-12 at the Connell Park Raceway.
He said spectators will notice significant changes to their setup this year.
“We’ve ordered 300 feet worth of jersey barriers,” Seeley explained. “These are four feet tall, and will be going on the pit side, by the infield.”
Seeley says they will also be installing a fence on the grandstand side of the track. The changes are all part of the safety plan that the Old Home Week (OHW) Committee had to present to the Town of Woodstock.
“President Graham Briggs worked hard to design the plan to ensure the spectators stayed safe, and the event could go on,” Seeley said, adding the OHW committee also had to provide proof of liability insurance to the town.
“We’ve always made safety a priority,” said Seeley, “but like everything, we’ve evolved with the sport. It’s not like it was 25 years ago. You have all these tractors that are 3,000-plus horsepower now. We want the town to be comfortable with our event, and we also want everyone to enjoy it, safely.”
Following the accident, the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission issued a press release, expressing its condolences to the family and stating that it would cooperate with law enforcement authorities.
“In addition, the Commission has initiated 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 press release noted.
“We are also in active communication with Horse Racing New Brunswick and will continue to offer our support as the investigation unfolds,” reads the notice. “Out of respect for the integrity of the ongoing investigation and the privacy of those affected, the APHRC will not be providing additional comment at this time. Further updates will be shared when appropriate.”
