by Melissa Keith
Truro, NS — Northside Downs’ season finale was marred by a multiple-horse accident this past Saturday, sending several drivers to hospital. Now members of the local racing circuit are joining forces to raise funds for those who were injured.
The accident occurred just before the opening half in the fourth race of the afternoon. Danny Campbell, John Beaton and Roddy Hurley were the worst affected and taken to hospital with various injuries.
Participants at another Nova Scotia racetrack are getting fundraising efforts underway to help support those injured in Saturday’s accident. Local mainland trainer James (Roy) Burton is pledging 10 percent of his horse’s earnings for the remainder of the season at Truro Raceway. His son, Truro Raceway track photographer Kyle Burton, is also donating 10 percent of his photography sales until the end of the year.
“Some of the people in Cape Breton drive upwards of four hours to race at Truro (Raceway) during the winter months and they support us when the horse population is short,” said Kyle Burton. “They are dedicated to harness racing and we hope that other drivers and trainers will join in this fundraising effort.”
If anyone is interested in joining the fundraising efforts or pledging a percentage of their earnings, please contact Kyle Burton at kyleburton@live.ca.
Please join Truro Raceway and Standardbred Canada in wishing all of the horsemen and horses that were involved in the accident speedy and complete recoveries from their injuries.