Dwayne Dubuc Drives People through the Sport of Chariot and Chuckwagon Racing

Dwayne Dubuc Drives People through the Sport of Chariot and Chuckwagon Racing

Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent

Alberta Professional Chuckwagon and Chariot Races were held during the Vegreville Country Fair from August 4 to 8 which found 44 chuckwagon racers and 46 chariot racers with their team of horses who competed in these races during each day of the fair.

Dwayne Dubuc, President of the Alberta Professional Chuckwagon & Chariot Association, said he is currently on his fifth year as serving as head of the organization.

“I have been competing in the chuckwagon and chariot racing for 30 plus years and for me racing provides the ultimate rush of adrenalin. As hard as some days can be when things don’t go right or the year round commitment of caring for the horses, whether it be the hottest days of summer or the -40 temperatures in the winter, we need to make sure these horses are cared for and are ready for when spring training starts.

Chuckwagon action from the Vegreville fair.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Some race days are sunshine and some race days are rain but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Chuckwagon and chariot racing compares to any and all extreme sports but adds the extra wrinkle of, not only you having to be at the top of your game, but having a team of two, or in the case of the chuckwagons, four horses, all with a mind of their own, also prepared and ready to compete at their best.

If you, as the driver, or one horse on the outfit is not at their best the results will certainly show it. Frustrating as that can be, when it all comes together, everything works perfectly and luck is on your side, the feeling of complete satisfaction is obtained, and it is a feeling you never forget and strive for every day following.

Over the years I have been fortunate enough to obtain that level of success that makes you a show champion both driving for other outfit owners as well as with my

own horses. I have also been lucky enough to have horses honoured with receiving the Leo Cartier Memorial Horse of the Year Award on multiple occasions.

I have been awarded the most sportsmanlike driver award and I completed a lifelong goal of winning the overall season championship. No matter how many awards have been won though I always look forward to the next race and I am always striving to be a better horseman, driver, and representative of the sport.”

As far as what spectators like? Dubuc said, “Each spectator will have their own individual reason for enjoying chuckwagon and chariot racing. For some, it is the memories they have from their own days of being with their favorite horse. For others it is the rush of a lightning fast barrel turn and four outfits hitting the track all together, in line and witnessing the competitiveness each horse on each outfit displays.

Some spectators will cheer the outfit trailing early in a race and rise to their feet as that outfit finds the determination and drive to make a late charge and overcome the leader at the finish line. No matter what it gives you, as a spectator, your biggest thrill, chuckwagon and chariot racing has something for everyone,” Dubuc added.