Despite thunder and rain, the exciting Neyaskweyahk Native Classic went ahead with a stand packed grandstand at Panee Memorial Agriplex in Maskwacis June 7 to 9.
The Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) races were scheduled all three nights, but were cancelled on Saturday and Sunday due to the downpour over the weekend.
The Indian Horse Relay Races were held June 8 and 9 to appreciative crowds. There was a break in the clouds for Saturday night’s performance until about 5 p.m. when rain and hail began in earnest.
The 2019 Maskwacis Indian Relay Champions and the second place team in the Canadian Indian Relay Race Association (CIRRA) was Team Pretty Young Man from Siksika Nation, Alta.
The team includes warrior Tyler Leather, mugger Jarrett Pretty Young Man, back holder Brooker Pretty Young Man, holder Rufus Pretty Young Man Jr., trainer Rufus Pretty Young Man Snr. and owner Jason Doore.
During the relay race on June 9, a rider was injured and the Maskwacis Firefighters, Maskwacis ambulance as well as the STARS Air Ambulance were called out for the incident, according to a post on the Maskwacis Firefighters’ Facebook page. The post included this video of the rider being airlifted by STARS.
