Canada Day at the Millarville Races

Canada Day saw the running of the 105th Annual Millarville Races at, I think, Canada's oldest race track, a rural facility southwest of Calgary.

First race was an old tradition, going back to the roots of the event, a Stock Horse Race featuring local farmers, cowboys and acreage owners on western saddles. The lady on the left would win:

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Below . . . . a closely fought race . . .

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But the winner gathers the glory . . . .

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Below, there were also para-mutual races.

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Below, fast action . . .

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below, it was a big crowd . . .

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. . . . . . with lots of wagering, bolstering the $50,000 purses.

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Some homespun young ladies were looking up to Miss Calgary, 2009, on hand to help usher the racing ponies onto the track.

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Below, checking out the horses in the paddock before the race

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below, lots of kids games on Canada Day, including this enthusiastic contender in the young girls sack race . . .

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. . . . . who was happy with the outcome.

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. . . . and other Canada Day finery. . .

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Rick C
www.goldentales.ca

As usual, beautiful pictures Rick! I do especially love the traditional race pictures. Regular folks riding horses for the love of it! :)

Looks like a great time, Rick!

In regards to checking out the horses in the paddock picture...
I just gotta say, nothing finer than a man in Wranglers and a cowboy hat:cloud9:.......:o

A few more . . . .

The three-legged race before the faceplants . . .

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Below, Captain Canada goes for the gold . . . .

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Below, hanging out with a Joe Cool jockey in the Paddock area . . .

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There were 3,600 people at the Races.

Next up, the re-scheduled Millarville Rodeo August 6-8 and then the Priddis & Millarville Fair on August 21. Millarville Farmers Market is every Saturday morning through the summer and early Fall.

Rick C
www.goldentales.ca

That sack race pic is absolutely priceless!!!