When I saw the smoke pouring out of very crack from the West end of Barn 1 at Classy Lane, I knew something horrific was occurring right before my very eyes. As I rushed to open the doors, thick black smoke filled the barn. I can’t even begin to describe the cries from the horses; having nothing you can do to save them, feeling so helpless, knowing their lives were over. The lives of thirteen friends and their families changed forever.
Every one of the thirteen people affected I have seen on a daily basis over the years while I have been stabled at Classy Lane. In the summer months of this past year, I had three horses stabled beside the Triple Crown-winning training outfit of Ben Wallace, the very respected Driver and Trainer, Roger Mayotte and well as the accomplished trainers Dan Lagace, Chantal Mitchell, Kris DiCenzo and Floyd Amos. I can’t imagine waking up and not having a barn filled with loving horses to care for and train, because at 10:57 p.m. on January 4th, 2016 when I called 911 everything changed.
I am going to do everything I can to help put their lives back together. I would like to raise every dollar I can and donate what I can. Horsepeople are hard working people and those impacted deserve nothing less than our best efforts. Without question, we all know they would do the same for any of us. I don’t think anyone knows what it is going to take to rebuild the lives from this tragedy, but we have to do everything we can to get them back on their feet. We as an industry have and will continue to come together to do what we can to help everyone that was affected by this deadly fire at Barn 1 of Classy Lane Stable.
With Love and a heavy heart,
Nick Gallucci
The views presented in Trot Blogs are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Standardbred Canada.
To the entire standardbred
To the entire standardbred family. Tom and I would just like everyone and particularly those directly affected to know that our heart's are bleeding. Since we heard on Tuesday morning about this horror, we are at a loss for words to relay how we feel. This isn't the first barn or stable to burn, but I so pray that it will be the last. I was four years old when my Grandparents barn went up. Not all the cattle got out. It has stayed with me all these years. It was that awful. I can still remember all the sounds, all the smells and that was the only time I ever saw my dear Grandparents break down. In the years we've been in business, we started out with customers. We now have friends. No one can work with these beautiful creatures without admiration and love for them. Tom and Kendra Wilton
John Thomas Dartmouth, NS I
John Thomas Dartmouth, NS
I am sort of at a loss for words..I do not have the words to express to everyone my deepest symphathy for your terrible, terrible losses. I can only imagine the pain you are all going through as well as how this is affecting your lives. I pray that the Big Guy up above will bless all of you and that you , along with help from all horseman start to rebuild your future again.
John Thomas
I went to Classy Lane this
I went to Classy Lane this morning to do nothing but hug the horses I have stabled there and be there to talk if anyone needed. Sometimes the best way to heal is to speak to somebody. It was an emotional couple of hours and I can't begin to comprehend the pain people are experiencing. I only have a chance to visit every month or so, and the love I have for these horses is immense. To be around these wonderful horses daily is a blessing; however, at a time like this might not feel
that way. The positive of this is that no human lives were lost in such a devastating fire. Now we must continue to band together and help the people affected by the loss. My most sincere feelings are sent to all 13 people mentioned in Nick's post, as well as to Nick himself. God bless to all.
The best thing you can do is
The best thing you can do is talk about it Nick, and as often as possible. Just keep telling your story to anyone that will listen.
PTSD is a real possibility and that is something to be avoided. There is no cure, but it is preventable.
I fell so bad for everyone,
I fell so bad for everyone, but, you will probably remember those horrific sounds for a very long time and that is something I would find very difficult. Good luck to everyone concerned and may God bless.
On behalf of Killean Acres
On behalf of Killean Acres standardbred nursery in Ingersoll, Ontario home of the late hall of fame pacing stallion "Run the Table" we offer our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to all involved in the devastating tragedy that occurred Classy Lane farm on Monday January 4th.
Jack Mcniven
Terry Mcniven
& Staff