High River, Alta. to host chuckwagon racing after Calgary Stampede snub
Chuckwagon drivers will descend on High River, Alta. for two weekends in July for a tournament created following the cancellation of this year's Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby.
The World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) has announced the 2021 Battle of the Foothills will be held at the High River Agricultural Society Grounds on July 16-18 and July 23-25.
The announcement is welcome news for a chuckwagon racing community that has struggled to survive. The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the cancellation of the majority of the racing calendar over the last year-and-a-half.
More than $150,000 in prize money will be up for grabs in High River, but organizers anticipate the pot will grow as there's been an outpouring of offerings of support from the public and corporate sponsors.
Details regarding the size of the field have not been confirmed but the WPCA says the top eight drivers after the first four days of racing will advance and compete in the final two heats of Saturday's semi-finals. The drivers with the four fastest times from those heats will advance to Sunday's championship race.
Every heat on championship Sunday will be a 'dash for cash' with drivers competing for additional prize money.
In late May, the Calgary Stampede announced its preliminary plans for the 2021 edition of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth but the Rangeland Derby was noticeable in its absence.
Stampede officials said the decision to eliminate chuckwagon racing from this year's event was due to concerns regarding animal welfare — a move supported by the Calgary Humane Society — as a direct result of the lack of a racing season ahead of the Stampede. Several drivers took offence with the claims that they would jeopardize the safety of their horses.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.