EHV-1 case prompts cancellations
Two upcoming races at the Connell Park Raceway have been cancelled by Horse Racing New Brunswick (HRNB) due to the presence of Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) in the southern New Brunswick area.
EHV-1 affects horses in a variety of ways, but the immediate concern among harness racing officials is the deadly neurological form that this particular strain carries.
“Following consultation with the Provincial Veterinarian for New Brunswick, industry veterinarians and the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission (MPHRC), officials have determined that temporarily suspending racing activity at Connell Park is the most appropriate course of action at this time. The Friday, Aug. 28 and Friday, Sept. 4 cards will therefore be postponed,” said a statement on the Connell Park Raceway Facebook page.
“HRNB recognizes that this decision will create inconvenience and uncertainty for industry participants, particularly those with horses scheduled to race. However, the health and safety of the horses must remain the priority, and officials believe that exercising caution at this time is in the best interest of the industry,” the statement continued.
However, those familiar with the industry urge the public and owners not to worry.
“Just to make sure that there’s no connection to any racehorses, we, just for precautionary measures, postponed,” said Rob Kitchen, President of the Woodstock Driving Club
He emphasized that the cancellations were simply a responsible precautionary response by HRNB and that the safety of equine athletes was the raceway’s top concern.
At the moment, there are no HRNB Standardbreds or racehorses directly involved.
With approval from the MPHRC, the affected races will be rescheduled as follows:
Barrieau McIsaac eliminations: Oct. 24
Barrieau McIsaac final: Oct. 31
New Brunswick Breeders – Two-Year-Old Pacers: Oct. 24 and Oct. 31
Blood Money Stakes: Nov. 7
New Brunswick Breeders – 3-Year-Old Pacers final leg: Nov. 14, pending regulatory approval and the addition of the November dates to the official racing schedule.
