The thrilling show of speed, agility and horsemanship Relay Races give, makes it one of the highlights for many spectators attending the Lethbridge and District Pro Rodeo. Relay racing begins with a standing start, where the rider runs one lap around, following which the catcher will catch the horse while the rider dismounts and mounts on another horse. The rider continues this process over four laps. First one to complete all four laps wins the race. While fans enjoy the fast-paced sport, the race begins far before the starting line for the rider and handlers. Chazz Racine, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, has been relay racing since he was 12 years old. He was introduced to relay racing through the horse racing circuit in Montana. His father, Ervin Carlson created a relay team named Carlson Relay, which Racine rode on for several years. Racine has also ridden for three other teams, before returning to Carlson Relay. He says during his time in relay racing, the sport has grown exponentially, especially north of the 49th Parallel. “After this season, it’ll be 26 years of riding; that’s a long career,” says Racine. “From then until now, to see how the sport grew, it feels good to still be doing it and still healthy.” He adds relay racers being respected as professional athletes at events such as the Calgary Stampede and the Lethbridge and District Pro Rodeo will only help continue grow the sport. “People love it, it’s going to continually be that way because the sport, the teams and the horses are only going to get better.” Being a proud member of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Racine not only gets to show off his athleticism, but he also gets to share his culture. “I take that as an honour to be able to come here and represent where I come from, the Blackfeet Nation, and to be part of this,” he says. “It’s awesome that Whoop-Up (Days) got the Relays here to let us represent who we are and show off our horsemanship, because we are professionals here.” This year, Racine decided to branch off from his father and make his own relay team named Racine Relay. They won their first heat on Friday night and hope to continue the momentum. “We just need to go out there, put ‘er down and stay calm; the horses feel your energy.” Racine extends his sincere gratitude for all of the Whoop-Up Day Staff and for the support of his family and friends. Relay Racing will cap of the last day of the Lethbridge and District Pro Rodeo tonight beginning at 7 p.m. in the Grandstand. Alexandra Noad, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lethbridge Herald
