Like mother, like daughter.
Three years ago, Karyn Drake handed the reins over to Chelsea, who became the new touchdown rider for the Stampeders, galloping down the sidelines on Quick Six every time the Red & White score a major.
But the thrill of riding in a Grey Cup is something the mother-daughter duo haven’t shared yet.
Until now.
While this is the Stamps third straight appearance in the big game, this Sunday’s contest will be Chelsea’s first chance to ride in the Grey Cup.
Upon arriving in Edmonton Friday, Karyn couldn’t help but reminisce about her inaugural ride in the championship tilt.
“1995 in Regina was my first Grey Cup,” said Karyn, who rode Calgary’s touchdown horse for 24 years.
“We hauled our horse out. It was a long drive and it was cold. Like really cold. It was just really exciting, I had my little Ricky horse and it was just so much fun. Just the excitement and the build up to be there for Grey Cup, to be there to support our team, it was just awesome.”
Karyn and Chelsea with Quick Six on Friday. (Photo by Candice Ward)
Karyn has ridden in seven Grey Cups.
The last was in 2014 at BC Place when Calgary beat Hamilton 20-16, on a borrowed horse fresh off the set of Once Upon a Time that just happened to be filming in Vancouver.
She says nerves always play a part when galloping for the team.
“It is nerve racking. It is nice to have our own horse here, having Quick Six here and just getting him used to the environment, it’s a little different than McMahon because we usually run on natural grass. Here it’s turf. When you have a horse that we don’t know it brings a little bit of anxiety. Once the game gets going you just settle down and it’s just fun.”
As for Chelsea, Karyn expects her to have similar feelings when she appears in her first championship game.
“I think she’s really excited. Finally. I mean this is her third year riding with the Stamps and in the two previous Grey Cups unfortunately we weren’t able to go. We wished we were there but this year is going to be really special. I wish I was riding!”