An exercise rider at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto was killed during training hours June 24 after a horse collapsed on him. The Toronto Star identified the exercise rider as Mourad Boudraa, who was originally from Morocco.
According to the Star, the accident occurred shortly after 6 a.m. (EDT) in a small sand ring on the southern corner of the track property and not the racetrack itself.
Woodbine said Boudraa's mount, Tawney's Wish, had a suspected fatal heart attack, but did not provide additional details of the accident.
"All of us in the Woodbine community are deeply saddened by the death of exercise rider, Mourad Boudraa, in this morning's tragic accident," a statement from the track said. "Our thoughts are with his family. The Ministry of Labour and other officials are investigating to determine the details of the accident, and Woodbine Entertainment Group is offering every possible assistance."
"We are working closely with officials to support them in their investigation," said Jamie Martin, executive vice president racing for Woodbine Entertainment Group. "Our hearts and sympathies go out to Mourad Boudraa's loved ones in this sad and very difficult time."
A 3-year-old daughter of Mobil , Tawney's Wish had finished 11th in her career debut May 24 at Woodbine.