Woodbine to pay tribute to racehorses killed in barn fire in Puslinch, Ont.,
Tragedy had 'a deep and dramatic impact on Ontario’s horse racing community,' organizers say
More than 40 racehorses that died in a fire at a stable and training facility in Puslinch, Ont., will be remembered at a ceremony at Woodbine Racetrack Thursday evening.
Organizers of the event say the fire at Classy Lane Stables, which claimed the lives of 43 horses, has had "a deep and dramatic impact on Ontario's horse racing community."
About 50 firefighters from five departments, including Guelph, Hamilton and Cambridge, were called to the scene after the flames broke out Monday night. With no nearby hydrants, water had to be trucked to the site.
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"The Thursday, January 7 card of racing at Woodbine will be dedicated to the equine lives lost," Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) said in a statement Wednesday. The tribute will begin at 6:50 p.m. with a video presentation of the fallen horses and a minute of silence will follow.
"As a horse person, I can imagine how difficult a time it is for those that lost horses, who are like members of the family. It is heartbreaking," said Jim Lawson, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment Group. "Our deepest sympathies are with everyone impacted by this tragedy."
A GoFundMe page created by the Central Ontario Standardbred Association has been set up to support those affected by the fire and WEG has pledged $10,000 to the fund.