Checking out the Ostrich and Camel Races

Fully fed from our stop at the tenderloin place, Linda and I headed out to Prairie Meadows race track to see their exhibition ostrich and camel races. We weren't sure when they'd be in the schedule of races but figured we'd likely see something interesting. Our first surprise was the full parking lot, full to overflowing. Pickup trucks going over the curbs to park on the grass; this promotion worked! Linda parked in line with a bus-sized rv in the semi, rv, and camper section; we figured we weren't taking a space any semi, rv, or camper would have fit in so it would be okay.

It was no surprise that the crowd inside the casino and trackside was much larger than any we'd seen in our few visits; it was impressive. As we looked around, we heard the announcement that it was ten minutes to post time for the ostrich race. The starting gate was already in position but the jockeys were leaning against the rail.

We walked over to see if we could watch them load but the truck that delivered them also shielded them from the crowd. That probably helped with the loading but made us wonder what they'd do when they saw the crowd with jockeys on their backs. It didn't take long to find out.

The gates opened and the birds were off and running. As they picked up speed, a couple of the jockeys slid further and further back until the were on the ground, one holding fistsful of feathers. One jockey did stay aboard his bird and made it to the finish line, escorted by a riderless pair.

We stayed around for a couple of horse races but, to make it to the Fringe Festival, had to leave before the camel race. Before we left, we stopped by the pen to see the camels. Both the camels and ostrichs were very popular.