The 101st annual Calgary Stampede was the first since the last millennium that Grant Profit wasn't driving for dough at the big show.
The 58-year-old Cochrane chuckwagon racer sold his entire outfit at the end of last year's Stampede, ending a racing career that began four decades ago with pony chucks.
And, while he's had a year to re-introduce himself to the world outside the half mile of hell, Profit still sounds like someone who's misplaced an integral piece of his puzzle.
The 101st annual Calgary Stampede was the first since the last millennium that Grant Profit wasn't driving for dough at the big show.
The 58-year-old Cochrane chuckwagon racer sold his entire outfit at the end of last year's Stampede, ending a racing career that began four decades ago with pony chucks.
And, while he's had a year to re-introduce himself to the world outside the half mile of hell, Profit still sounds like someone who's misplaced an integral piece of his puzzle.
"The girls went in for most of the 10 days," he said of daughters Charleigh and Calie attending Stampede's Rangeland Derby. "But (wife) Shelly and I, we didn't go in at all. We stayed away. We listened to it on the radio and watched it on the TV.
"I don't know if we'll get to any of them (races), actually, this year. Not likely."
He wasn't around as auctioneer Les McIntyre put the entire contents of his racing barn under the hammer on Stampede shed row last year. He just couldn't bear to watch. His wife and daughters sat in on the sale, but the looks on their faces told the story of bidding farewell to their beloved equine family.
It was hard to watch. And it still resonates.
"I think it's just too tough to go and see your horses in somebody else's barn and somebody else driving them," Profit explained. "It's just like giving away part of your family."
That, and the urge to get back on the wagon and drive, is still nagging at him.
Over his career, Profit was in the winner's circle for some of the sport's richest events in Ponoka, Edmonton and the North American Chuckwagon Championship.
"Without a doubt. I wish I was 10 years younger and my back wasn't as bad," he offered. "I definitely miss the driving. I miss the people and I especially miss the horses."
But there has been at least one benefit from his racing retirement.
"To be honest, this is the best my back has ever been this year, without doing it."
And, while his retirement from the sport is still new and unfamiliar, he feels he'll be able to get back to the track at some point. Even if it is just to spectate.
"I'm sure we will," he reassured. "But I can't see it happening this year."
