The chuckwagon race pits teams of horse-drawn wagons against each other in a series of elimination races over several days. | Photo: jasonwoodhead23/Wikimedia Commons

The annual Calgary Stampede features rodeo-style competitions and livestock exhibitions, including the GMC Rangeland Derby chuckwagon race. The event pits teams of horse-drawn wagons against each other in a series of elimination races over several days. Traditionally, each team consists of four wagon horses and four outrider horses. This year, 36 chuckwagon drivers supported by outriders and 216 horses were slated to take part in the event.

A written statement from the Calgary Stampede said the first horse death at this year’s event, which began July 5 and runs through July 14, occurred July 8 when a 14-year-old gelding developed a serious internal medical condition which required veterinary and later died due to that condition.

“At this time there in no indication that this medical condition is specific to chuckwagon racing,”  the statement said, adding that necropsy results are pending