It’s one of the oldest sports in the world and tomorrow the tradition of camel racing will continue at the Forbes Racecourse.
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This is the 14th year the Forbes Camel Races have been held and organisers Kerry Dunstan and Lee Marsh say it will be another great day.
“It’s just a great concept and a great family day out,” Mr Dunstan said.
“The most exciting thing about them is that they’re unpredictable, they’ll do whatever,” Ms Marsh said.
Some of the camels arrived yesterday and all 30 will be at the racecourse by lunchtime today.
Handlers and their camels come from Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the Forbes meeting.
Dave Keys arrived yesterday from Shepparton with two camels in tow - Racecourse Rat and Backwards.
He has been to Forbes three times and says it’s the people and the atmosphere that brings him back.
“Forbes is a beautiful place and a good meeting place for everyone being halfway from QLD and SA,” he said.
The gates to the Good Friday races open at 10am with the first event set to race off at 11.15am.
However the most anticipated race of the day will be the inaugural Graham Marsh Memorial Cup, run at 4.30pm in honour of the races’ founder who passed away in December last year.
As well as the camel races, the gophers will also take to the track and other entertainment including camel rides, market stalls, helicopter rides, music, and dancing will be on throughout the day. The Renault car rally will also be on hand tomorrow as well as a vintage tractor display, sheep dog demonstration and pedal-power sheep shearing.
Tickets will be available at the gate and cost is $10 per adult, $5 for aged pensioners and children under 16 can enter for free.