Chucks come to town
Justin Seward
Times Reporter
The Strathmore Stampede is set to get under way this weekend at the Strathmore and District Agricultural grounds and there will be plenty of excitement to go around.
The chuckwagon event is popular with rodeo enthusiasts and will surely provide entertainment on a nightly basis during the Stampede.
A couple of familiar riders will be returning to the competition, Kelly Sutherland and Jason Glass. Sutherland will be seeking a sixth victory at the Strathmore Stampede.
“Well hopefully I will have a strong (showing) in Strathmore. I think I was fifth here at the last one and I hope to improve and win it this year,” said Sutherland.
In order to be successful at these Stampede events, the participants need some luck to be on their side to earn a victory.
“You need a little bit of a break and some luck once in a while and things will work out,” said Sutherland.
Riders seem to like this event on the circuit because there is always lots of support for the chuckwagons.
“I think there is always strong crowds for their chuckwagon racing and the track is a good race track … much like the Calgary Stampede,” said Sutherland. “The competition will be tough because a lot of guys like Rick Fraser have won the last two events. Jason Glass and my brother Kirk are one and two in the world standings, so it will be a tough field.”
Glass, who is having an exceptional year on tour being the #1 rider in the association, wants perfect conditions on the track for some good races.
“I expect to have a good weekend, my horses are healthy and running strong. There are a lot of nice horses coming to town and great drivers, it will be a great competition,” said Glass.
Glass is looking to add a second Strathmore chuckwagon title to his resume as he has had some strong showings here.
“To anyone that has not been out to a chuckwagon race, they are really missing out on something unique, powerful and a lot of beautiful horses,” said Glass.
Jason Glass would like to extend a big thank you to his main sponsor, MJ’s Water Hauling, in Strathmore for all the support he has received throughout his career.