OCR Text |
Show Page THE PARK CITY 12 On Any Saturday. wmoN Wednesday, December 4, . Chariot races in Heber? One would never have imagined a snowless Saturday after Thanksgiving, but when it did occur and the idea was brought 19 as to where to spend the afternoon, we immediately had visions of Charlton Heston thundering from Peoa to Heber. With that kind of Roman Glory expected, we decided to attend. The hazy afternoon sun was high over Timpanogas as we arrived at the fairgrounds for what the locals call cutter racing. Ranchers and cowboys, a restless lot, are always searching for ways to let off steam and occupy themselves after the hay has been cut and the Rodeo circuit has ended. On any Saturday afternoon at 1 PM , a short drive to the Heber fairgrounds will show you just what this cowboy restlessness can produce. Men like Boyd Sweat arrive in pickups towing horse vehicles tied precariously trailers with their on top. Some, like Boyd, bring two teams, although for the most part, each man arrives with one team of quarter horses. two-whe- el The cutters, or chariots, are as varied as the men who drive them. Several looked more like half an oil drum on wheels, but flew down the track as fast as the custom d jobs. multi-colore- A brisk warm-u- p trot around the oval, and two teams are in the starting gate (later in the season three or even four teams will race at once ).With an explosion of speed they are out of the gate thundering down the quarter-mil- e straightaway, their riders bolding on for their lives, screaming what can only be called total encouragement to their team. Anywhere from 22 to 27 seconds later, they are across the finish line and the win- ri Story & Photos by Scott Nelson iv ner is known. The reward? Recognition and the distinction of being the one to beat next week! ! W A. ,v-- 'V ' V- !' -- v-f ' "t S' v Z: "ft ffr ,1's. VW'V - ' ' ' Vs : ; . s s , s 1974 |