🚀 Don't miss your MEXC sign-up bonus! Register with our link & claim your welcome rewards: Claim Your Bonus & Start Trading ➔ | View Rewards Hub

Harness racer dies in multi-horse collision at South Okanagan race course

Harness racer dies in multi-horse collision at South Okanagan race course


Click to play video: 'Deadly harness racing crash at Desert Park Raceway in Osoyoos'


Deadly harness racing crash at Desert Park Raceway in Osoyoos


The horse racing community is mourning the loss of a harness driver. 52-year-old Scott Knight died following a crash on Sunday afternoon in Osoyoos. Cohan Sassaman has the details of the horrific crash at Desert Park Raceway.

Share this item on Facebook

Share this item via WhatsApp

Share this item on X

Send this page to someone via email

A harness racer died on the weekend after a multi-horse collision at a South Okanagan race course.

The Desert Park Raceway in Osoyoos said a horse lost its step during a race and fell on the track, colliding with multiple trailing horses and drivers.

“A tragic accident during the fifth race at Desert Park Raceway (Sunday) resulted in the fatality of driver Scott Knight,” the raceway said in a statement online.

“The #1 horse, 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 downed horse, leading to a multi-horse collision.”

Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you'll never miss the day's top stories.

Get daily National news

Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you’ll never miss the day’s top stories.

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News’ Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Knight, 52, was driving the #4 horse, Wits Beach, while Carson Abbott, who was driving the #7 horse, Firm Ringo, was transported to Penticton Hospital for medical treatment.

Story continues below advertisement

Another driver was treated on site.

The raceway said that all three horses in the collision survived.


  • Alberta voting locations extend hours after late openings, delaying referendum results
  • Canada’s 2-year measles outbreak officially over: PHAC
  • Bombers can secure CFL playoff spot with victory
  • Proposed remedy for workers affected by Bill 148 could cost N.S. $470 million

  • CFB Wainwright tragedy: CAF knew of nearby grass fire, but didn’t consider it a threat

  • Carney, federal leaders mourn loss of 4 soldiers in Parliament after CFB Wainwright tragedy

The remainder of Sunday’s live racing program was cancelled, along with Monday’s events.

The schedule will not resume until Monday, Oct. 26, the raceway said in the statement.

“It is an incredibly sad incident, and we are at a loss for words,” Kelly MacMillan, president of the Western Canada Horse Racing Association and operator of Desert Park Raceway, said in a statement.

“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.”

Stick to the Facts

Add Global News as a Preferred Source on Google to see more of our stories in your search results.

Sponsored content

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *