Trot Insider has learned that tragedy struck the horse racing industry in Nova Scotia during the early-morning hours of Monday, March 30, as veteran horseman John Nauss and a mare and her foal each lost their lives.

Nauss, a 69-year-old resident of Pugwash, Nova Scotia, was helping the mare, Clowns Haven, deliver a foal in her stall at Sport Pugwash.

Trot Insider has learned that Nauss passed away suddenly during the process, as did Clowns Haven (a five-year-old Clowns Tears bay) and her foal.

Visitation will be at at Davis Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m Thursday, April 2 at Chester United Baptist Church. Burial of his ashes will be held at a later date.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of John Nauss and the two horses.