Officials have confirmed the death of an exercise rider after a collision between two riders at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto.
The incident happened around 7:00a.m., on Friday as a rider suffered life-threatening-injuries after falling off a horse.
Toronto police said the rider was transported to hospital where he later died of his injuries.
“It was called in as a medical complaint,” Const. Craig Brister told AM 640. “When we got to the scene, the information we were given is that two horses had collided with each other and that a practice rider had fallen to the ground.”
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In a statement, Woodbine Entertainment confirmed the death of 43-year-old Toronto rider Darren Fortune from “injuries occurred during a training accident on the main track early this morning.”
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our community this morning,” said Jamie Martin, Executive Vice-President Racing for Woodbine Entertainment Group.
“Our hearts and condolences go out to his family and friends.”
The Ministry of Labour and Toronto police are investigating to determine the cause of the accident.
No other riders or horses were injured. The track’s race card for Friday was cancelled.
A moment of silence will be held following Saturday’s seventh race at Woodbine.
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