Published in July 1971 by Danah Al Khalifa. All photos by her, unless otherwise indicated. Her photo captions are included.
“To the starting post!” Each Friday from November till May, a popular meeting place is His Highness Sheikh Isa’s private racetrack. Races are informal and unique in style. No betting, no prizes, nevertheless each competitor is keen to ride a winner. Every colt and filly is race trained to it’s worth! It is in racing that the good or the bad points of conformation, character and HEART come out. They start to race at three years of age if well developed, over a distance of six furlongs (1200m.) The distance is increased with age, up to two miles, and some horses are still racing when fifteen years old. Stallions and mares race in mixed groups.
“Jockeys come in all sizes!” (Photo: R. Paterson)
“A mare’s excitement at the start.”
“and a stallion’s protest!
Shawaf: “Unchanged by the years, a grand old Arab and his grand old steed take part in a festive parade.”
“And jockeys come in different styles!” Homestretch!! No whips are permitted! … But sometimes a hollow bamboo reed is used as it makes a low whistling sound when waved in the air, to excite more speed out of the horses. (Photo: R. Paterson)
“A winner”, Mlolshan five years. (Photo: R. Paterson)
“One stallion’s opinion of the races!” Hamdany nine years. Visitors to Bahrain are often invited to try their occidental skill against the local riders. (Photo: R. Paterson)
“and another stallion’s reward for winning a race!” Dahman eight years.
The highlight of the races are the thoroughbred racing camels. Here the SHE camels with their Omani keepers patiently wait for their turn. (Photo: R. Paterson)
“At full gallop!” (Photo: R. Paterson)
“Jockeys come in all sizes!” (Photo: R. Paterson)
“A mare’s excitement at the start.”
“A winner”, Mlolshan five years. (Photo: R. Paterson)
“and another stallion’s reward for winning a race!” Dahman eight years.
“At full gallop!” (Photo: R. Paterson)
I would love to see a true camel race! Picture is great!
The Bahraini-bred horses are just so nice and athletic-looking. Now I’m wondering about the advisability of taking a nice hollow bamboo stick out with me when I ride, to find out what it sounds like!