Every year around this time, there is a day of buffalo racing next to the local reservoir; while, on the reservoir, there is longboat racing.
In my weakened state (cue violins), I decided I could only shoot one event, so I chose the buffalo racing. Not perhaps a wise choice given my weakened state (cue entire orchestra and something in D minor), because shooting buffalo racing requires you to stand in the way of large animals with no brakes, wait until the lens is full of buffalo, and then run out of the way. I had visions of going to see my orthopedic surgeon with a newly buggered back and a face covered in what looked suspiciously like hoof imprints….
The event starts with the trophy for the winner being wheeled in on a large ox cart, complete with dignitaries.
Then the races start, or rather they don’t. Each race is preceded by a period of extensive buggering about, never lasting less than twenty minutes, when attempts are made to get all the competing buffaloes facing in the same direction at the same time. Being Thailand, there is never a suggestion of leaving a particularly recalcitrant beast behind. Everyone must take part, even if the sun sets before they are all lined up. The spectators don’t mind, the main reason they have come is to eat snacks and get drunk, the occasional passing buffalo is just a bonus.
Finally, they’re off! The riders are perched precariously on the back, the buffaloes are showing a remarkable turn of speed, and the spectators stop eating for the twenty or so seconds it takes for the race to be run.
Of course, it doesn’t always go exactly to plan. Slipping of the back of the buffalo is common, not much fun if there is another buffalo right behind you. This guy has got one of those “I wish I had taken up chess” expressions on his face:
