Horse racers compete in the first of three races during the 76th Annual Omak Stampede and Suicide Race

August 13, 2009

OMAK, WASHINGTON - Friday August 7 2009. Horse racers compete in the first of three races during the 76th Annual Omak Stampede and Suicide Race held on the Colville Indian Reservation in Omak, Washington. Horse Taz, with jockey Loren Marchand won the race by a large margin and is the defending champion from last year. The other two races will be held on Saturday and Sunday night. The Suicide race consists of a 225-foot downward slope at a 62-degree angle, then crossing of the Okanogan River and finally a sprint into Omak Stadium. Although the race was inspired my Native Americans, Non-Native peoples are allowed to compete in the race which is held every year in the second week in August.