MHA Times

Young Money in the Money in Twin Buttes

Myles Murray of the Young Money Team crosses the finish line in the Championship Heat to claim the top prize at the MHA Indian Relay Championship Series in Twin Buttes. (Photo by Jerry W. Kram)

By. Jerry W. Kram MHA Times Reporter

Clean exchanges made the difference at the Twin Buttes Indian Relay Races held in conjunction with the Twin Buttes Powwow. Myles Murray, riding for the Young Money Team representing the Blackfoot Nation, crossed the finish line first in the Championship Heat of the MHA Indian Relay Series. This was the first event of a three race season for MHA Indian Relays. The next event will also be held at the Twin Buttes Fairground on August 17 and the Season Finals will be held at the Healing Horse Ranch near Parshall on September 7. All events begin at noon.

Jim Baker, director of the Healing Horse Ranch, was the Race Supervisor for the event. He said the MHA Nation contributed added prize money to attract some of the best teams in a four state region. “We have some pretty good added money,” Baker said. “A little more for the final races in September. Plus we are going to do some Calcutta for some more added money. We have teams from Montana and South Dakota as well as local teams.”

Baker said Indian Relay is attracting more spectators all the time. The grandstand at the Twin Buttes Fairground was nearly full, and races sponsored by MHA Tourism at the North Dakota State Fair attracted thousands of spectators last year.

“I think there is a lot of good interest because people love to watch Indian Relay,” Baker said. “When the rider comes in to change horses on the exchange can determine the outcome of the race. When they come in and try to get on the next horse, one little bobble can cost them, especially if the other guy has a clean exchange and off he goes.” That’s how Young Money was able to grab the lead as Murray was off his horse and cleanly vaulted onto his next ride smoothly while the other riders had just a little trouble remounting.

Baker said Indian Relay has been growing all over the U.S. and Canada for many years now. There are several national associations promoting racing across the west. Indian Relay was even featured on an episode of 60 Minutes last year.

He commended the caretakers of the Twin Buttes Fairgrounds for putting together a top notch venue for the races. “This Twin Buttes crew, I have to give them credit, they have a beautiful facility,” Baker said. “You can tell just by looking that they know how to keep it groomed and well kept. Everything is ship shape. This course is longer than most around here so the horses can stretch out and go for it on the straightaways. On a small course they really don’t get into that full stride. Here you will see them running as fast as they can go.”

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