Feature Photos: Chariot Racing

These two photos are of Wilmar Shingoose and his brother Walter Mindy chariot racing in the late 1980’s in Yorkton. Chariot and chuckwagon racing have been part of the family for years. Photo 1 shows Wilmar with a team of four horses, demonstrating the “Ben Hur” style. Four-horse chariot racing was not without its dangers. According to a newspaper article at the time, Wilmar, after winning his race, was taken around the track another few laps by the energetic team. The announcer was heard to say, “Those horses are going to sleep well tonight!”

The second photo is of Walter Mindy accepting a trophy for a win in the two-horse chariot race. The horses are Venture Royale, and Supertramp.

Photo 1. Wilmar Shingoose with a team of four horses, demonstrating the “Ben Hur” chariot racing style.

Walter Mindy on a race track accepting a trophy for a win in the two-horse chariot race. The horses are Venture Royale, and Supertramp.

Photo 2. Walter Mindy accepting a trophy for a win in the two-horse chariot race. The horses are Venture Royale, and Supertramp.

Wilmar Shingoose.

WILMAR SHINGOOSE and his wife, Ruth, currently live in Lethbridge. They have two sets of twins; two boys, two girls, all very successful. Mr. Shingoose has retired after 35 years of driving long distance truck. He also drove in the ‘Ben Hur Chariot’ category in Chuckwagon racing.

Sources:
Wilmar Shingoose, personal communication to Kristin Enns-Kavanagh.
Steve Meyer. “Chariots a highlight of weekend festival,” Yorkton This Week, August 26, 1987.

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