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Donkey Derby Racing

The Donkey (equus asinus) Derby races exist, not run very fast, but the race exists, I have raced in a donkey race just outside Yarmouth racecourse. OK, it was 22 years ago while on holiday with my parents. I came last, in fact the donkey I was riding stopped running to chew some grass. As my silly ass stooped it's neck to grab a mouthfull of greenery, I nearly went arse over tit, I am no jockey. I came last, in fact I did not finish the course, I jumped off when every other runner had long finished the race.

Donkey racing is better known as "The Donkey Derby". Donkey races and rides at the seaside used to be very popular in Great Britain, but since the demise of the British seaside due to the Costa Brava style holidays and cheap airfair, the donkey is not seen at the seaside very much these days. I'd hazard a guess the donkey derby is not run at Yarmouth anymore, who knows?

The donkey racecourse should be horseshoe in shape, or straight and be 100-150 yards (90-140 metres) in length.

The minimum width of the donkey derby racing course should be calculated by allowing one yard for each of the donkeys running together in the competition, plus one yard intervals between each, and also between the side barriers and the donkeys running on the left and right extremeties (outside lanes) of the course.
♠ 7 donkeys - 15 yards (13.5 metres)
♠ 8 donkeys - 17 yards (15.3 metres)

Donkey Racing is quite popular in the Caribbean. Various Donkey Derbies (and goats) are run at various Caribbean festivals. Maybe they even bet on the donkeys & goats there, I do not know. I would be surprised if there were a race going on with no odds on offer for wagering purposes.

In Pakistan, donkeys are raced towing carts. Quite a popular sport, or so I read. The Pakistani donkey and cart racing jockeys are adults, but are not heavy-set men weighing in at 14 stone.

In Great Britain, there are "Donkey Derby" guidelines. Adults are not generally allowed to ride donkeys at amusement parks or seafront beaches. The recommended age is 9-15 years of age and the children must be no heavier than 8 stone in weight.

Adults can ride in competetive donkey racing derbies, but they must stick to the 8 stone and under weight restriction.

♠ Donkeys used for races or riding as side attractions should be atleast 4 years of age.
♠ Donkeys used for races or riding as side attractions should be passed fit by a vet.
♠ Donkeys used for races or riding as side attractions should not be in foal.
♠ The riding tack should fit properly, and stirrups or saddles are discouraged.

♠ Donkey & Cart Racing - (pakistan)
♠ Donkey Racing Derby In Arima - (trinidad and tobago)
♠ Donkey Rescue - (oxfordshire)
♠ Sponsor A Donkey For A Year (donkey adoption)
♠ Dunton Stables Donkey Derbies
♠ The Donkey Sanctuary (sidmouth - devon)
♠ The Donkey Society - (great britain)
♠ Wikipedia Donkey Entry Page