Penn National in mourning

Penn National Race Course was closed on Thursday as the racing community

mourned the loss of a starting gate worker who suffered a fatal accident

involving the gate before the start of the 4TH race Wednesday night. The

remaining five races carded for the evening were canceled.

"In light of this tragic accident, it was an easy decision to cancel

tonight's races, as we all come together to mourn the loss of a cherished friend

and colleague who we all came to know and love over the last 22 years," said

Richie Schnaars, general manager of Penn National. "The Pennsylvania State Horse

Racing Commission and Pennsylvania Horsemen's and Benelovent Association support

the decision to cancel tonight's races and join us in expressing our condolences

to the family."

The circumstances of the accident are being investigated. Out of respect for

the family, Schnaars said the name of the starting gate worker will not be

released at this time.