Officials with Horse Racing New Brunswick (HRNB) are advising industry participants that the next two scheduled cards of racing at Connell Park Raceway will be postponed until later in the year as a precautionary measure while the current equine health situation is assessed.

Following consultation with the Provincial Veterinarian for New Brunswick, industry veterinarians and the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission (MPHRC), officials have determined that temporarily suspending racing activity at Connell Park is the most appropriate course of action at this time. The Friday, Aug. 28 and Friday, Sept. 4 cards will therefore be postponed.

There remains one confirmed positive case of the neurologic form of Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), along with a second case that has raised concerns regarding potential exposure. The second case and associated exposure concern are not connected to the initial confirmed case.

At this time, there are no Standardbred horses directly involved in either situation. However, questions remain regarding the potential impact of horse transportation and movement, and there is not yet sufficient information available to confidently resume racing activities. Given these circumstances, officials believe that postponing the upcoming race cards is the most responsible decision to protect the health and welfare of the equine population and the broader racing community.

HRNB recognizes that this decision will create inconvenience and uncertainty for industry participants, particularly those with horses scheduled to race. However, the health and safety of the horses must remain the priority, and officials believe that exercising caution at this time is in the best interest of the industry.

With approval from the MPHRC, the affected races will be rescheduled as follows:

• Barrieau McIsaac eliminations: Oct. 24
• Barrieau McIsaac final: Oct. 31
• New Brunswick Breeders – Two-Year-Old Pacers: Oct. 24 and Oct. 31
• Blood Money Stakes: Nov. 7
• New Brunswick Breeders – 3-Year-Old Pacers final leg: Nov. 14, pending regulatory approval and the addition of the November dates to the official racing schedule

Officials will continue to monitor the situation and consult with veterinary and regulatory authorities as additional information becomes available. Any further updates affecting racing will be communicated to industry participants as soon as possible.

HRNB thanks all industry participants for their patience, understanding, and cooperation as it takes the necessary precautions to protect the health and welfare of the horses and the continued integrity of Standardbred racing in New Brunswick and the Maritimes.

(HRNB)