The Estevan Art Gallery and Museum’s first-ever foray into the world of hobby horse racing proved to be a successful endeavour.
The EAGM hosted the Estevan Derby on Nov. 5 at the Wylie-Mitchell building. Forty-five “horses” were entered by local businesses, organizations and individuals, and about 135 people were in attendance.
“I think it was very successful,” said EAGM director Amber Andersen. “We heard from many people that it was such an entertaining night, that they had such a good time, and it was something that was fresh and fun.”
Each horse was given a name, and decorated based on the name, or the industry of the business or organization it was representing. One person served as the jockey for the horse, and another person rolled a dice, which determined how far the horse would advance down the track.
“It’s the people who participated who made it so much fun,” said Andersen. “People put so much work into decorating their hobby horses. It just really added to the event. It was nice to have something that was creative and different.
Many of the riders and other spectators were also well-dressed for the event.
Five qualifying heats took place, and the winner and the runner-up of each heat advanced to a 10-horse final.
Karl and Shelly McKenzie’s horse, White Fornication, came in first in the final.
Speaking with the Mercury after the event, Karl McKenzie said he really wanted to beat Nolan Rohatyn to the finish line since it would be his only opportunity to beat Rohatyn in “a horse race.”
McKenzie’s comment was a reference to the annual August classic golf tournament at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Club, and their famous “horse race” involving the golfers in the men’s championship flight. Rohatyn has won it more than a few times, while McKenzie has not.
Rohatyn was the jockey for the Estevan Motors entry, Mopar, which also reached the final.
Since horse racing was part of the event, there was betting that allowed people to wager on the horse of their choice.
The EAGM doesn’t have a tally of how much money was raised, but the hobby horse night will be their top fundraiser of the year. The money will go to their programming that allows them to offer activities and events for people of all ages.
And it’s expected they will host it again next year, with even more features to offer the public.
