Medicine Hat hosts World Professional Chuckwagon Races beginning Thursday

The event will feature 36 wagons competing nightly in 12 heats of three wagons each.

Edwards said between 300 and 400 horses are on site, along with drivers, family members and support crews.

“It’s a big family operation; these chuckwagon drivers and their families put a lot of work into this. These horses are the best that you can find on the track,” Edwards said.

Edwards said among all the joy that comes with the races, safety remains the top priority for organizers and competitors.

Among the drivers competing this weekend is racer Layne Flad, from Bodo, Alberta, who enters the Medicine Hat stop fifth in the world standings.

Flad, now in his eighth season as a driver, said chuckwagon racing has been part of his family for decades.

“My family’s been in it since the 1970s, my dad races too. He’s been going for a little over 20 years, so both of us travel as one unit. It’s a family sport,” Flad said.

Flad said Medicine Hat remains one of his favourite stops on the Chuck Wagon circuit.

“I really like this track coming down here, it’s very kind to the horses, and we always have a lot of good races,” Flad

After a strong start to the season, Flad said he hopes to continue building momentum this weekend.

“Keep going on with the good start we’ve had to the year, run fast and clean and safe, and just have another good show,” Flad said.

Drivers from across Alberta and Saskatchewan are expected to compete, with participants travelling from communities ranging from the Grande Prairie region to southern Alberta.

Beyond the racing, Edwards said the event provides an economic boost for Medicine Hat, with competitors spending more than a week in the city.

“They’re here for a week and a half, and it’s good for everybody,” Edwards said.

Edwards also credited the event’s sponsors for helping make the races possible, saying their continued support is essential to hosting major events at the exhibition grounds.

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READ: Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede announces upcoming events and dates for 2026

by Jett Schwaier

Medicine Hat hosts World Professional Chuckwagon Races beginning Thursday

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