Inaugural chuckwagon finals to be 'safest possible' at Century Downs, says general manager

A southern Alberta racetrack says it's confident it will host the "safest possible" chuckwagon racing finals next month, amid calls for a ban on the sport after the deadliest CalgaryStampede in nearly a decade.

For the first time in its history, Balzac's Century Downs Racetrack and Casino will host the championship finals of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association from Aug. 21 to 25.

General manager Paul Ryneveld says he'll be paying close attention to any recommendations that come out of the Calgary Stampede's review of safety procedures, which was launchedafter six horses died racing at this year's GMC Rangeland Derby.

"Information is always valuable when you're looking to do any event for the first time," he told the Calgary Eyeopeneron Wednesday.

Ryneveldassured he'sbeen engaged in monthly meetings with the chuckwagon association since signing amulti-year partnership in October, and he saidsafety is always a major part of those conversations.

"We're pretty confident that the event that we hold will be the safest possible for both horse and human," he said.

When asked whether Century Downs is considering changing the format of its heatsby running fewer wagons, Ryneveld said that would be up to the WPCA to decide.

"We would obviously be up for anything to make the sport safer."

Negative press

Ryneveld said that, across all of Century Downs' five racing seasons, he can recall only one horse that was injured and that was "because of a chain reaction accident, and maybe one other during that period of time."

He said it's difficult to speculate what effect the negative press will have on thisinaugural eventbut said he'll be watching ticket sales closely.

The five-day championship will see the world's best chuckwagon driverscompete for a $100,000 championship prize.

PETA protest

A the legislature on Tuesday, a group of about 20 PETA activists, some wearing cardboard horseface masks, called for the government toban chuckwagon races.

Premier Jason Kenney's office declined comment, but Agriculture MinisterDevin Dreeshen issued a statement.

He said theUCP government remains committed to the protection of animalsand will continue to work with organizations to improve practices and procedures.

With files from the Calgary Eyeopener and the Canadian Press.