Scott Knight, one of Western Canadian harness racing's top drivers for the past quarter century, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 18 at the age of 52.

Knight passed away after an accident during the fifth race at Desert Park Raceway on Sunday. Dillon James, driven by Don Ross, broke stride, lost his step and went down on the track. The trailing drivers and horses were unable to avoid the fallen horse, leading to a multi-horse collision.  

Knight, who was driving Wits Beach, did not survive the accident. Carson Abbott, driving Firm Ringo, was transported to Penticton hospital for medical treatment. Ross sustained minor injuries and was treated onsite. All three horses involved in the collision survived. 

Desert Park Raceway officials cancelled the remainder of Sunday's live racing program immediately following the fifth race. 

Kelly MacMillan, President of the Western Canada Horse Racing Association (WCHRA) and operator of Desert Park Raceway, issued the following statement regarding Knight's passing: "It is an incredibly sad incident, and we are at a loss for words. Scott was part of our family and I can't begin to describe how we are feeling. We are all reeling in grief. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Scott’s family and everyone involved."  

Desert Park Raceway has arranged for and is offering counseling services to anyone in the racing community who feels the need for support through this incredibly difficult time. 

One of the perennial top drivers in British Columbia, Knight recorded 1,448 wins in his career that spanned 27 years with 12,156 drives and more than $9.5 million in purse earnings. As a trainer, the Langley, B.C. resident recorded 669 victories from 5,267 starts with nearly $4 million in purses. He represented British Columbia on multiple occasions as the provincial representative in Standardbred Canada's National Driving Championship.

Standardbred Canada issued the following statement: “This is heartbreaking news for our entire Standardbred racing community. We extend our deepest condolences to Scott Knight’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts are with everyone who has ever had the opportunity to know Scott, and our racing family from coast to coast shares in this profound sadness.”

A Celebration of Life for Scott Knight will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026 from 1 - 6 p.m. at the Northview Golf & Country Club in Surrey, B.C. 

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Scott Knight. 

A full obituary follows.

In Loving Memory of
Scott Louis Knight
December 12, 1973 - October 18, 2026

With hearts broken beyond words, we remember Scott Louis Knight, who passed away suddenly on October 18, 2026, at the age of 52. A loving husband, devoted father, cherished son, brother, uncle and friend, Scott leaves behind a family who adored him and countless people whose lives were better for knowing him.

Born in Victoria, B.C., to Richard and Sandra Knight, Scott spent much of his life on the mainland. He grew up learning to fish, build and fix almost anything, skills he developed alongside his father and carried throughout his life.

Scott had a deep love for harness racing and the joy of being a driver. His familiar royal blue and black colours were part of a life filled with friendships, shared experiences and connections that reached far beyond the track. He will be remembered for his kindness, compassion, his smile and the way he made every person who knew him feel welcome and valued.

To his wife, Lindsey, Scott was the absolute love of her life, her soulmate and her everything. Throughout their years together, he made sure she never had to question his love. Their life together was filled with a love she will carry always.

To his children, Scott was a source of love, strength and belonging. His sons, Jayden and Logan, shared a lifetime of memories with their dad, a bond that helped shape who they are and will remain part of them always. For his stepson, Cole, Scott's choice to step up and be a father meant more than words could ever express. To Braylee and Maci, he was the dad he didn't have to be, but chose to be every day. They absolutely adored him, and he gave them every reason to know they were his daughters. Never once did he make any of his children feel they were anything less than his own blood. He loved all five wholeheartedly, was deeply proud of each of them, and gave them a love they will carry for the rest of their lives.

Scott is lovingly remembered by his wife, Lindsey; his children, Jayden (Kayla), Logan, Cole (Emme), Braylee and Maci; his mother, Sandra; his brother and best friend, Joe (Nicole); his niece, Taya (Reid); his in-laws, Brian and Dawn Davis; and many extended family members and dear friends. He was predeceased by his father, Richard Knight.

There was so much life still to live and so much more family and friends wanted to share with him. Though his absence will be enormously felt every day, his stories will be told, his laughter remembered and his love carried forward by everyone who knew him.

(Standardbred Canada with files from WCHRA)