For the Reporter
Eighteen of the best Indian Relay Racing teams in the country have entered the Muckleshoot Gold Cup on June 10-12, with $50,000 in purses up for grabs at Emerald Downs.
Tribes from Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington will be represented.
Indian Relay is the nation’s oldest sport with a history that goes back 500 years by many accounts. Teams will race twice around the Emerald Downs one-mile track and exchange horses every half-mile. Each team’s rider must leap from one galloping horse to another in their assigned exchange box while other team members assist in handling the horses.
The Muckleshoot Tribe hosts the event as the owners and operators of Emerald Downs and the Muckleshoot Casino is sponsoring the competition. There will be three relay races each day along with the regular full card of live thoroughbred races.
Emerald Downs Vice President Jack Hodge is looking forward to hosting the competition.
“We have a great lineup of teams and our fans will be amazed by the athleticism that will be on display,” Hodge said. “Emerald Downs will be a significant annual stop on the growing Indian Relay circuit.”
Admission is $7 for adults, and ages 17 and under are admitted free. Box seats can be purchased in advance by calling 253-288-7711.
$50,000 Muckleshoot Gold Cup participating teams
Two Tone Pocatello, Idaho; Coby Team, Ft. Hall, Idaho; Carlson Relay, Browning, Mont; Rides A Pretty Horse, Billings, Mont; Umatilla Express, Pendleton, Ore; Starr School, Browning, Mont; Omak Express, Omak, Wash; Pikunii Express, Browning, Mont; Teton, Blackfoot, Idaho; Eagle Star Express, Crow Agency, Mont; Awasapsii Express, Browning, Mont; Blanket Bull Garryowen, Mont; Old Elk Relay, Crow Agency, Mont; Medicine Tail, Garryowen, Mont; Mountain River, Hays, Mont; Warman, Hardin, Mont; Grizzly Mountain, Omak, Wash; Little Badger, Browning, Mont.
