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Goat Racing is a sport that originated in Buccoo,
Tobago Tobago, officially the Ward of Tobago, is an List of islands of Trinidad and Tobago, island and Regions and municipalities of Trinidad and Tobago, ward within the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. It is located northeast of the larger islan ...
, which is part of the twin-island republic of
Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago, officially the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, is the southernmost island country in the Caribbean, comprising the main islands of Trinidad and Tobago, along with several List of islands of Trinidad and Tobago, smaller i ...
. The sport has been continued by some legends in Townsville. Started in 1925 by a Barbadian, Samuel Callendar,
goat The goat or domestic goat (''Capra hircus'') is a species of Caprinae, goat-antelope that is mostly kept as livestock. It was domesticated from the wild goat (''C. aegagrus'') of Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is a member of the ...
racing historically occurs on the Tuesday after
Easter Easter, also called Pascha ( Aramaic: פַּסְחָא , ''paskha''; Greek: πάσχα, ''páskha'') or Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in t ...
day, which is known as 'Easter Tuesday' in
Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago, officially the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, is the southernmost island country in the Caribbean, comprising the main islands of Trinidad and Tobago, along with several List of islands of Trinidad and Tobago, smaller i ...
and is an unofficial public holiday in
Tobago Tobago, officially the Ward of Tobago, is an List of islands of Trinidad and Tobago, island and Regions and municipalities of Trinidad and Tobago, ward within the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. It is located northeast of the larger islan ...
. Today, it is called the ''Buccoo Goat Race Festival'', which is a popular and lively event that draws thousands of spectators, mainly from
Trinidad Trinidad is the larger, more populous island of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the country. The island lies off the northeastern coast of Venezuela and sits on the continental shelf of South America. It is the southernmost island in ...
. Also part of the festival is the less popular crab racing. In crab racing, large blue crabs and their jockeys are placed in the centre of a large circle drawn in the sand and coaxed towards the circle's perimeter by their jockeys through a bamboo pole with a string attached to the crab. The first crab to breach the circle is the winner. The ''Buccoo Goat Race Festival'' is
Tobago Tobago, officially the Ward of Tobago, is an List of islands of Trinidad and Tobago, island and Regions and municipalities of Trinidad and Tobago, ward within the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. It is located northeast of the larger islan ...
's most internationally acclaimed festival.


History

Buccoo, a small seaside village on the southwest coast of
Tobago Tobago, officially the Ward of Tobago, is an List of islands of Trinidad and Tobago, island and Regions and municipalities of Trinidad and Tobago, ward within the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. It is located northeast of the larger islan ...
, has hosted
goat The goat or domestic goat (''Capra hircus'') is a species of Caprinae, goat-antelope that is mostly kept as livestock. It was domesticated from the wild goat (''C. aegagrus'') of Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is a member of the ...
racing. In the early twentieth-century, since
horse racing Horse racing is an equestrian performance activity, typically involving two or more horses ridden by jockeys (or sometimes driven without riders) over a set distance for competition. It is one of the most ancient of all sports, as its bas ...
was reserved for the local elite,
goat The goat or domestic goat (''Capra hircus'') is a species of Caprinae, goat-antelope that is mostly kept as livestock. It was domesticated from the wild goat (''C. aegagrus'') of Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is a member of the ...
racing developed as a poor man's equivalent. With
horse racing Horse racing is an equestrian performance activity, typically involving two or more horses ridden by jockeys (or sometimes driven without riders) over a set distance for competition. It is one of the most ancient of all sports, as its bas ...
traditionally occurring on
Easter Monday Easter Monday is the second day of Eastertide and a public holiday in more than 50 predominantly Christian countries. In Western Christianity it marks the second day of the Octave of Easter; in Eastern Christianity it marks the second day of Br ...
(the Monday after Easter), Easter Tuesday (the day after Easter Monday) was chosen to run
goat The goat or domestic goat (''Capra hircus'') is a species of Caprinae, goat-antelope that is mostly kept as livestock. It was domesticated from the wild goat (''C. aegagrus'') of Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is a member of the ...
races by the Buccoo Goat Race Festival Committee, a sub-committee of the Buccoo Village Council, that organises the
goat The goat or domestic goat (''Capra hircus'') is a species of Caprinae, goat-antelope that is mostly kept as livestock. It was domesticated from the wild goat (''C. aegagrus'') of Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is a member of the ...
race annually. Like race horses, the goats are all named. Initially,
goat The goat or domestic goat (''Capra hircus'') is a species of Caprinae, goat-antelope that is mostly kept as livestock. It was domesticated from the wild goat (''C. aegagrus'') of Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is a member of the ...
races were held on Chance Street but were relocated twice when Chance Street was paved. The first relocation was to the Battery, which was unpopular because overhanging cliffs were near the finish line. The second and current relocation is the Buccoo Integrated Facility, which is a $100 million
goat The goat or domestic goat (''Capra hircus'') is a species of Caprinae, goat-antelope that is mostly kept as livestock. It was domesticated from the wild goat (''C. aegagrus'') of Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is a member of the ...
race arena that includes stables.


Around the world

Although
Tobago Tobago, officially the Ward of Tobago, is an List of islands of Trinidad and Tobago, island and Regions and municipalities of Trinidad and Tobago, ward within the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. It is located northeast of the larger islan ...
is known as the
goat The goat or domestic goat (''Capra hircus'') is a species of Caprinae, goat-antelope that is mostly kept as livestock. It was domesticated from the wild goat (''C. aegagrus'') of Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is a member of the ...
racing capital of the
world The world is the totality of entities, the whole of reality, or everything that Existence, exists. The nature of the world has been conceptualized differently in different fields. Some conceptions see the world as unique, while others talk ...
and has the earliest and longest running
goat The goat or domestic goat (''Capra hircus'') is a species of Caprinae, goat-antelope that is mostly kept as livestock. It was domesticated from the wild goat (''C. aegagrus'') of Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is a member of the ...
race, goat racing now occurs worldwide.


Uganda

The ''Royal Ascot Goat Race'' in
Kampala Kampala (, ) is the Capital city, capital and largest city of Uganda. The city proper has a population of 1,875,834 (2024) and is divided into the five political divisions of Kampala Central Division, Kampala, Kawempe Division, Kawempe, Makindy ...
,
Uganda Uganda, officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. It is bordered to the east by Kenya, to the north by South Sudan, to the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the south-west by Rwanda, and to the ...
, began in 1993. The idea evolved from a
pig The pig (''Sus domesticus''), also called swine (: swine) or hog, is an omnivorous, domesticated, even-toed, hoofed mammal. It is named the domestic pig when distinguishing it from other members of the genus '' Sus''. Some authorities cons ...
race in
Zimbabwe file:Zimbabwe, relief map.jpg, upright=1.22, Zimbabwe, relief map Zimbabwe, officially the Republic of Zimbabwe, is a landlocked country in Southeast Africa, between the Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers, bordered by South Africa to the south, Bots ...
. The
pig The pig (''Sus domesticus''), also called swine (: swine) or hog, is an omnivorous, domesticated, even-toed, hoofed mammal. It is named the domestic pig when distinguishing it from other members of the genus '' Sus''. Some authorities cons ...
race was held in the garden of a local horse breeder (in
Zimbabwe file:Zimbabwe, relief map.jpg, upright=1.22, Zimbabwe, relief map Zimbabwe, officially the Republic of Zimbabwe, is a landlocked country in Southeast Africa, between the Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers, bordered by South Africa to the south, Bots ...
) to celebrate his birthday because he did not have enough space for a horse race. When Entebbe Sailing Club in
Uganda Uganda, officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. It is bordered to the east by Kenya, to the north by South Sudan, to the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the south-west by Rwanda, and to the ...
considered fund-raising ideas, they adopted the idea of a pig race but substituted goats instead. It first started out on the grounds of the Kampala Rugby Club with 400 people in attendance. By 1998, it outgrew this facility and was moved to the Speke Resort, Munyonyo, in 1999 because it is the only location large enough to host the goat races, which grossed USh 10 million and attracted over 7,000 people in 2005. Along with size, the goat race also grew in scale. It quickly evolved into a whole day event modeled on the Royal Ascot horse races in
Ascot Ascot, Ascott or Askot may refer to: Places Australia * Ascot, Queensland, suburb of Brisbane * Ascot, Queensland (Toowoomba Region), a locality * Ascot Park, South Australia, suburb of Adelaide * Ascot (Ballarat), town near Ballarat in Victoria ...
,
Berkshire Berkshire ( ; abbreviated ), officially the Royal County of Berkshire, is a Ceremonial counties of England, ceremonial county in South East England. It is bordered by Oxfordshire to the north, Buckinghamshire to the north-east, Greater London ...
,
England England is a Countries of the United Kingdom, country that is part of the United Kingdom. It is located on the island of Great Britain, of which it covers about 62%, and List of islands of England, more than 100 smaller adjacent islands. It ...
. Unlike in
Tobago Tobago, officially the Ward of Tobago, is an List of islands of Trinidad and Tobago, island and Regions and municipalities of Trinidad and Tobago, ward within the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. It is located northeast of the larger islan ...
, goats are not trained for speed or endurance; instead, goat handlers push a padded vertical barrier behind the goats to keep the goats moving sideways during the race. However, there still is prize money of more than USh 30 million awarded to the winning goat's owners. Similar to the Royal Ascot horse races, there is as much emphasis on dress, in particular unusual hats. At the ''Royal Ascot
Goat The goat or domestic goat (''Capra hircus'') is a species of Caprinae, goat-antelope that is mostly kept as livestock. It was domesticated from the wild goat (''C. aegagrus'') of Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is a member of the ...
Race'', prizes are awarded to the best dressed couple, man, woman, and child, as well as to the person wearing the most extravagant hat, and best goat name. Spectators can also bet on goats. Through a preliminary parade around the track and a betters' guide that describes each
goat The goat or domestic goat (''Capra hircus'') is a species of Caprinae, goat-antelope that is mostly kept as livestock. It was domesticated from the wild goat (''C. aegagrus'') of Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is a member of the ...
, spectators can gauge possible winners. Proceeds from betting go to local charities. Along with goat races, there are hospitality and food tents as well as children's amusements.


Tanzania

Following
Uganda Uganda, officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. It is bordered to the east by Kenya, to the north by South Sudan, to the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the south-west by Rwanda, and to the ...
's lead,
Tanzania Tanzania, officially the United Republic of Tanzania, is a country in East Africa within the African Great Lakes region. It is bordered by Uganda to the northwest; Kenya to the northeast; the Indian Ocean to the east; Mozambique and Malawi to t ...
introduced the ''Dar es Salaam Charity
Goat The goat or domestic goat (''Capra hircus'') is a species of Caprinae, goat-antelope that is mostly kept as livestock. It was domesticated from the wild goat (''C. aegagrus'') of Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is a member of the ...
Races'' in 2001 to raise money for local charities. Since its inception, the goat races have raised more than TSh 600 million. ''Dar es Salaam Charity
Goat The goat or domestic goat (''Capra hircus'') is a species of Caprinae, goat-antelope that is mostly kept as livestock. It was domesticated from the wild goat (''C. aegagrus'') of Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is a member of the ...
Races'' are similar in structure to the ''Royal Ascot Goat Race'' with
jockey A jockey is someone who rides horses in horse racing or steeplechase (horse racing), steeplechase racing, primarily as a profession. The word also applies to camel riders in camel racing. The word "jockey" originated from England and was used ...
s holding a padded horizontal barrier behind the goats to ensure that the
goat The goat or domestic goat (''Capra hircus'') is a species of Caprinae, goat-antelope that is mostly kept as livestock. It was domesticated from the wild goat (''C. aegagrus'') of Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is a member of the ...
s stay on track. Another similarity that
Tanzania Tanzania, officially the United Republic of Tanzania, is a country in East Africa within the African Great Lakes region. It is bordered by Uganda to the northwest; Kenya to the northeast; the Indian Ocean to the east; Mozambique and Malawi to t ...
's
goat The goat or domestic goat (''Capra hircus'') is a species of Caprinae, goat-antelope that is mostly kept as livestock. It was domesticated from the wild goat (''C. aegagrus'') of Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is a member of the ...
race has with
Uganda Uganda, officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. It is bordered to the east by Kenya, to the north by South Sudan, to the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the south-west by Rwanda, and to the ...
's is the competitions for spectators: there are best dressed couple and group, children's fancy dress, most colourful and creative hat, and best
goat The goat or domestic goat (''Capra hircus'') is a species of Caprinae, goat-antelope that is mostly kept as livestock. It was domesticated from the wild goat (''C. aegagrus'') of Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is a member of the ...
name.


United Kingdom

On Saturday, April 11, 2015 the 7th annual ''Oxford and Cambridge Goat Race'' took place. The race is between two goats named after the prestigious universities and is run at Spitalfields City Farm in East London. The 2016 race takes place on Sunday March 27. All proceeds from the race go to Spitalfields City Farm, which is a registered charity, to cover the year's food bills for the farm animals. On the day, there are stalls selling food and craft items. The two goats that participate in the race 'run' along their daily route, which leads from an exercise paddock to their stables. The goats walk or run at their own speed although a bucket of food leads them. The goats are also outfitted in lightweight coats in the Oxford and Cambridge colours.


United States


Falmouth, PA

In Falmouth, PA, there is an annual ''Running of the Goats'', which has happened for 33 years. On Saturday, September 28, 2013, ''Running of the Goats'' will be held for the 34th time. The Falmouth goat race is organized by the Falmouth Civic Association and it includes a craft fair as well as food stands.


Phoenixville, PA

Phoenixville, PA, runs an annual ''Sly Fox Bock Festival & Goat Race'' at the Sly Fox Brewhouse & Eatery in Pikeland Village Square on the first Sunday in May. The Sly Fox Brewhouse & Eatery is owned and run by the Sly Fox Brewery, a Pennsylvania brewery. The event has evolved into multiple races where the final race matches the day's winners. The winning goat has a
Maibock Bock () is a strong German beer, usually a dark lager. History The style now known as ''Bock'' was first brewed in the 14th century in the Hanseatic town of Einbeck in Lower Saxony. The style was later adopted in Bavaria by Munich brewers ...
named after it and its owners receive a $75.00 USD gift certificate for the Sly Fox Brewhouse & Eatery. Spectators enjoy German food and music.


Training

The characteristics sought after for a racing
goat The goat or domestic goat (''Capra hircus'') is a species of Caprinae, goat-antelope that is mostly kept as livestock. It was domesticated from the wild goat (''C. aegagrus'') of Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is a member of the ...
are strength, endurance, and speed. Animals are trained for at least two months prior to racing when speed and strength are developed. With a rope tied around the goat's neck, a trainer teaches the goat to walk progressively faster until the goat is running just ahead of or beside the trainer. The trainer also incorporates swimming to build the goat's strength and muscle mass. The goat's diet is carefully regulated to ensure peak performance on race day.
Goats The goat or domestic goat (''Capra hircus'') is a species of goat-antelope that is mostly kept as livestock. It was domesticated from the wild goat (''C. aegagrus'') of Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is a member of the famil ...
are trained on the beach or nearby pasture land. Race
goats The goat or domestic goat (''Capra hircus'') is a species of goat-antelope that is mostly kept as livestock. It was domesticated from the wild goat (''C. aegagrus'') of Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is a member of the famil ...
also known as steeds typically have owners, trainers, and jockeys.


Jockeys and form

Jockeys who run barefoot also train to increase speed and endurance since they must keep up with the speed of the goat. With a rope tied around the goat's neck, the jockey typically runs immediately behind or beside the goat to urge it on. On race day, jockeys and goats run a 100-yard (300 feet) race on a grass field; a goat will be disqualified if it outruns its jockey. Before races, jockeys warm up through stretching exercises and sprint starts. They might also examine the course for irregularities in the terrain.


Gender & Lifespan

Billy goats (male goats) are preferred to nanny goats (female goats) because they live longer even though nanny goats are faster runners. A racing goat can live up to thirteen years with proper attention to diet and training.


Classification

The Buccoo Goat Race Festival Committee created a classification system based on experience to categorize goats for races: * A - most experienced runner * B - ran for the past two years * C1 - ran the previous year * C2 - first time runner Based on this classification, a goat is entered into the appropriate race based on its racing experience.


Race day

On race day, there is a parade of goats and jockeys through Buccoo village with commentators stating which goats are the favourites to win in their races. This is usually followed by a cultural programme and brief formal ceremony. Goat racing begins after these events. Similar to racing horses, some goats can give trouble in the starting box. Races are sponsored by local companies and accompanied by much shouting as spectators urge their favourites on. Spectators can vote for and bet on their favourite goats. In 2011, the Tobago House of Assembly's Facebook page hosted a "Vote for Your Goat" competition, which included full profiles on the goats including personality, history, and jockeys. Prizes are awarded to winning goats. Interspersed throughout the goat races are more cultural programmes and vendors selling local delicacies, sometimes out of their homes. The day concludes at sundown with a huge street party. The mood is one of celebration.


Tourism

Buccoo Goat Race Festival is such a big tourism draw for Tobago that it now occurs in two locations: on Easter Tuesday at Buccoo village and on Easter Monday at Mt. Pleasant (a village) that constructed a $10 million TT sporting pavilion to host goat racing and other sporting activities year round. The Tobago House of Assembly's Department of Tourism sponsors the race, which is an annual family event. A race is also run during Tobago Heritage Festival, which is from mid-July to August 1.


Development

The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has been criticised in the local Tobago media for not turning a unique festival that lasts a few days and financially benefits some breeders, trainers, and jockeys into a year-round industry that can economically benefit the entire island with the ''Buccoo Goat Race Festival'' at its centre. In 2012, THA Chief Secretary Orville London said that the THA plans to introduce a derby in 2013. According to London, the derby will require Buccoo and Mt. Pleasant to host goat races throughout the year where points will be accumulated for the derby.


See also

* List of Trinidad and Tobago-related topics * Index of Trinidad and Tobago-related articles * Spitalfields City Farm


References


External links


Tobago House of Assembly, Division of Tourism & Transportation
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