Blaze destroys grandstand at Canada’s oldest horse-racing track in Vernon, B.C.

VERNON, B.C. – The grandstand at Canada’s oldest horse racing track has gone up in flames.

A blaze late Wednesday night engulfed the seating area at the 120-year-old Kin Park race track in Vernon, B.C., 400 kilometres east of Vancouver.

Just days earlier, an inspection by the B.C. Safety Authority found electrical problems in the aging grandstand, and power had been cut until repairs could be completed.

Okanagan Equestrian Society spokesman Ed Wooley says his group, which owns the stands, could not afford immediate upgrades while it is embroiled in a legal battle with the City of Vernon and the North Okanagan Regional District over use of the park.

Wooley says the society had cancelled racing for this season and officials haven’t made any plans about rebuilding, although some decisions could follow a meeting next week.

Cause of the fire is under investigation and Wooley says the property is insured and that coverage details are now being worked out. (CKIZ)

Note to readers: This is a corrected story. An earlier version said the fire was Thursday night.