Fast and furious in the mud as Thai buffalo racers mark end of monsoon

 

Jockeys compete in Chonburi's annual buffalo race festival in Chonburi province, Thailand October 23, 2018. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

 

CHONBURI, Thailand (Reuters) - Scores of Thais took to their water buffaloes for muddy annual races on Tuesday, marking the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the rice harvest in a tradition that dates back more than 140 years.

 

Locals and tourists flock to the races around the 200 meter-long dirt track in the seaside province of Chonburi, some 80 km (50 miles) southeast of the capital, Bangkok.

 

The races date back to the 1800s when rice farmers wanted to give thanks to their beasts of burden.

 

"There are about eight to 12 races throughout the year, but this is by far the most important event in Thai buffalo racing," Anan Chalermlarb, 63, the owner of this year's lightweight division winner, told Reuters.

 

Anan has been involved in water buffalo racing for 45 years, first as a rider and now as trainer.

 

"I have to continue with this sport and my son will take over after I'm gone," he said. "If we don't do this, then there is a chance that these races may disappear."

 

(Reporting by Jiraporn Kuhakan and Panu Wongcha-um; Editing by Nick Macfie)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2018-10-24

Makes a change seeing healthy buffaloes, rather than all the sick ones, that farangs used to send money over for ! ????

I'm guessing the one on the right has got an elastic band around the knackers and some chili's rammed up the jacksie for good measure given the turn of speed its showing .. Who needs Motogp when we've got this .. 

1 hour ago, webfact said:

The races date back to the 1800s when rice farmers wanted to give thanks to their beasts of burden

Give thanks .! What by having Somchai leaping about on you're back giving you a hearty lashing to go faster .. Thanks indeed ..

2 hours ago, webfact said:

There are about eight to 12 races throughout the year, but this is by far the most important event in Thai buffalo racing

Bit like the Derby then with flip-flops and Lao Khao ..

1 hour ago, Justgrazing said:

I'm guessing the one on the right has got an elastic band around the knackers and some chili's rammed up the jacksie for good measure given the turn of speed its showing .. Who needs Motogp when we've got this .. 

And of course there is no gambling allowed!

I've not noticed the end of the monsoon yet.

I've 3 kwai that look as it they could give these brutes a flogging! I must get the missus to organise a trip! for the Kwai...not her!