Water
buffalos proved to be remarkably quick, but alas lost most of the head
to head races against riders on horseback during the races recently held
at Mabprachan reservoir. The popular event, usually held in November
with the annual longboat races, always draws a large crowd of fun-loving
fans.
Manoon Makpol
Traditional buffalo racing came to Pattaya with a
festival complete with parade, folk dancing, and horse competitions at
Lake Mabprachan.
Culture Minister Sukumol Kunplome and Nongprue Mayor
Mai Chaiyanit opened the Aug. 21 event sponsored by the Tourism
Authority of Thailand to bring buffalo races, popular for decades in
Chonburi, to the Pattaya area.
On the banks of the reservoir, cheerleaders from Kaan
Aacheep School danced, burly men competed in tug of war games and, in
the centerpiece attraction, miniature and large buffalos raced for
glory. The races offered five awards with prizes ranging from 2,000 to
7,000 baht.
The event begins with a buffalo drawn cart parade.
In the large miniature buffalo category, Anat
Chaengcharoen and his buffalo “Ko” took first place. Somkiet Phumpuang,
riding “Nok-khamin” placed second and Somchai Dumchai aboard “Saen”
finished third.
In the large buffalo bracket, Watchara Inthmaploi
took “Ta-Waen” to the finish line first. Somsak Swasdeemongkhol, riding
“Fah Mongkhol” won second and Somkiet Phumpuang aboard “Mai” placed
third.
Horses also got their chance to race in both big
barrel races and barrel runs. Prizes ranged from 1,500 to 5,000 baht.
The winner of the big barrel racing was “Batman.”
“Regent” finished second and “Hurricane” third. In the barrel run,
“Kaew” placed first, followed by “Hunsa” and “Ruay.”
Buffalos and horses also got to race each other. To the surprise of
few, horses beat buffalos 2-to-1. The cattle team’s sole win came in the
80-meter run, which saw the leading horse fall 7-8 meters behind the
bull.
Men test their meddle in
the tug of war competition.
A very enthusiastic jockey
makes his way towards the finish line.
Men on horseback prepare
to join the fun.
