Harness racer dies after multi-horse collision at South Okanagan track

A harness racer died over the weekend after a multi-horse collision at Desert Park Raceway in Osoyoos. The raceway said a horse lost its step during a race and fell on the track, where multiple trailing horses and drivers collided with it.

In a statement, the raceway said the accident happened during Sunday's fifth race. No. 1 horse Dillon James, driven by Don Ross, broke stride, lost its step and went down. Trailing drivers and horses could not avoid the fallen horse, resulting in a multi-horse collision. Scott Knight, 52, was driving No. 4 horse Wits Beach and died in the accident, the raceway said.

Carson Abbott, who was driving No. 7 horse Firm Ringo, was taken to Penticton Hospital for medical treatment. Another driver was treated at the scene. The raceway said all three horses involved survived.

The remainder of Sunday's live racing program and Monday's events were cancelled. The raceway said the schedule will not resume until Monday, Oct. 26.

Kelly MacMillan, president of the Western Canada Horse Racing Association and operator of Desert Park Raceway, called it an incredibly sad incident and said the organization was at a loss for words. She said Knight was part of their family, that they were reeling in grief, and that their thoughts and prayers were with his family and everyone involved.