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.”
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Scott Knight.
(Standardbred Canada; with files from WCHRA)