Both Sides `Win' In Court Fight Over Suicide Race Horses

OKANOGAN, Okanogan County - A Superior Court judge has dismissed a motion by an animal-rights group to prosecute the organizer of the annual Omak Suicide Race for harming horses for gain and profit. But the judge also said there wasn't any evidence to warrant a prosecutor's attempt to disband the group.

Lynnwood-based Progressive Animal Welfare Society, or PAWS, had filed a motion requesting that the organizer of the race, "Cactus" Jack Miller, be charged under a criminal misdemeanor statute.

Okanogan County Prosecutor Barnett Kalikow countered with a motion that called for the judge to revoke PAWS' charter because, Kalikow said, the group tried to usurp the prosecutor's authority and violated Miller's civil rights.

Yesterday's decision by Chelan County Superior Court Judge Ted Small draws to a close a dispute stemming from recent deaths of horses during practice rounds and the running of the Suicide Race - a horse died last year, two died the year before.

During the race, run as part of the Omak Stampede, an annual event that brings in more than 40,000 spectators and $3 million in cash, horses and riders charge down a 200-foot hill and cross the Okanogan River to the finish line.