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New rider and new horse at Calgary Stampeders games

Karyn Drake, left, poses with her daughter Chelsea Drake in this Friday, July 1, 2016 handout photo. There's a new rider in the saddle celebrating home-team touchdowns at Calgary Stampeders' games.
Karyn Drake, left, poses with her daughter Chelsea Drake in this Friday, July 1, 2016 handout photo. There's a new rider in the saddle celebrating home-team touchdowns at Calgary Stampeders' games. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - Calgary Stampeders, Angela Burger

There’s a new rider in the saddle celebrating home-team touchdowns at CFL Calgary Stampeders’ games.

Last weekend’s game saw Chelsea Drake take over the reins from longtime horseback rider Karyn Drake, who is Chelsea’s mother.

Chelsea, who is 20, says she sees her new role as a huge honour, but adds she has some pretty big boots to fill.

She says she’s proud to be a member of the organization and is glad she can make it a family tradition.

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READ MORE: Jon Cornish named celebrity judge for 2016 Calgary Stampede parade

Drake will also be riding a new horse, and says it will be a challenge, but she’s ready for it.

Karyn Drake took her first regular-season ride back in 1993 — a 54-34 wild-west shootout win over the Blue Bombers.

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“My mom, 23 years she’s been doing it,” Chelsea said. “Ever since I was two she would bring me to the games and I was always her flag carrier.

“I’m a huge football fan and I love and care so much for the Stamps, I think it’s just a great tradition to carry on and I’m so, so grateful to be a part of it.”

With files from CFFR

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