Cutter Races This Weekend

The cutter race teams are here and racing begins tomorrow south of Jackson on the track at Melody Ranch.  Rod Everett of the sponsoring Shrine Club says activities at the track begin at noon.  Everett says the racers are all going for points that are totaled throughthe National Cutter Race Association with seasonal events concluding in a national competition in Ogden, Utah later in the year.  Yet, out of all the competitions, Jackson Hole provides the only track that is a snow-packed groomed track.  Watching the racing horses kicking up the snow as they run, he says makes the event even more exciting.  Parking is limited to the west side of the track, where many families gather for a tailgate party – but a free shuttle service is also available from town to the track provided by START bus. The bus may be caught on the town square, at Albertsons or at Smiths.  The $15 gate admission and profits derived from Calcutta wagering are used to support the Shriner’s Hospital in Salt Lake City which provides free treatment for children with crippling conditions.  The cutter races are the first of a week of activities in Jackson Holes third annual WinterFest.