[projekktor id=’23526′]

The local racing community was devastated by a fire that killed 43 horses at the Classy Lane stables last January but they’re happy to say that the wounds are healing and the industry is starting to recover.

The effects of the fire can be felt everywhere but there is optimism, and it starts with their new barn being constructed at the site of the fire that is almost complete. Construction is an important step for an industry that is trying to move on. The new barn will be ready for May 1st, and it’s a sign that horse racing is resilient.

It was late on January 4th when fire ripped through barn one at Classy Lane. Damage was catastrophic, and 43 race horses were killed. Afterwards the community rallied, a Go Fund me page raised over $600 000 and many trainers have started to rebuild their stables.

The new barn is being built on the same site at barn one, but out back there will be an oak tree and a plaque to honour those lost and the name of the barn itself will be different. “We’re gonna call it barn six instead of barn one again just for respect that so many lives were lost.”