More on Camel Racing

As mentioned in previous posts we have been very lucky. When we get out to the camel track for some reason there is a race just about to start. Apparently it is very difficult for people to get clear information as to when these events are on. It is a bit vague so the chances of turning up at that time of the day and seeing a race were highly unlikely. Our guide has a word with security and gets us onto the track. He told me later that that has never happened to him before where they have turned up for their normal tour and found a race happening. This would only happen if they took a special tour early in the morning. Anyway our guide has a word with security and he gets us onto the track. The track is 5 kms long and is no different to a horse racing track. On the inside is a sealed road with two lanes. The camels are released from the gates is a very non mechanical way. You see this mass of helpers run for cover as the camels come thundering out of the start area. Then we’re off, our bus and a fleet of land cruisers. There is a tv crew on top of a land cruiser who takes the inside lane to record the race. The kiwi tourists are hanging out the windows of the bus taking photos like crazy and cheering on the camels much to the delight of some of the Qatari men driving in vehicles around us. I don’t know if the video captures the mayhem. It is quite exhilarating the whole event, much more fun than sitting in a grand stand with binoculars. The camels have little robots on their backs which are controlled by their owners with remote controls who are in the land cruisers. We followed the lead camels all the way around. It was fantastic. You just have to experience it t appreciate it. I have tried to capture it with these little videos and images. Prizes for winning races…. You win a land cruiser !!. racing camels sell for between 500,000 – million riyal.