Outrider Larry Dagg, on his horse Rooster, is joined by Northlands Park racetrack announcer Matt Jukich (left) on March 7, the first day of thoroughbred training for the 2016 racing season.

Dagg, originally from Saskatchewan, is responsible for the general on-track safety of riders and horses. “I’ve worked with horses all my life,” he recalled. “My family raised ponies and raced wagons and chuck wagons. I first worked at Marquis Downs in Saskatoon.”

After 12 years at Woodbine Racetrack in Ontario, he began work at Northlands last year.

Dagg faces an uncertain future in Edmonton. The track is slated to close after the 2016 racing season, which launches on May 6. “It’s upsetting, but horseracing will survive,” he said.

Look for more on the future of racing in Edmonton in our May issue.

Photo caption: Matt Jukich (left) with outrider Larry Dagg on Rooster.