Thousands of spectators got a surprise after attending a famous British horse racing track – to see CAMELS gallop down the home stretch.
The charity challenge saw a group of gutsy seven riders compete with camels in two heats and a grand final ahead of a horse racing meet.
However most punters wanted to save their money and not take a gamble on the Camels in Beverley, East Yorks., as some got the hump and decided they were too tired – just yards out the blocks.
But North Yorkshire vet Dougie McRobbie proved he has a way with all creatures great and small when his camel Bertie was narrowly first past the post in the grand final.
Describing the bizarre action, Mr McRobbie said: “It was a wild race – it’s very rocky going when you are between two humps you are attacked from both ends.
“But I was pleased to get Bertie, he’s very quick, especially when he can see the tub of oats at the finish.
“He started easing off when the end was in sight so I had to give a bit of a holler to get him over the line.”
However camel rider Mel Goddard, who was not so lucky, said: “My camel ran a few strides then decided it was tired – I think it just got the hump.”
Those riders picked to take part travelled from across the country to compete in the event which was a first for the Beverley Westwood course.
The event, organised in aid of Save the Children, attracted 70 applicants.
Race organiser Reckitt Benckiser said: “I have done nothing like this before, apart from a bit of camel riding on holiday.
“You are not really in control and it’s a bit of an alien feeling, you don’t really know what you are doing, you are just clinging on and trying to run with it.
“But I am a bit into adrenalin sports, I do polo and I figured this would be a bit of a challenge.
Another experienced horse rider Michelle Mutch, 31, a curriculum development manager from West Yorkshire, wanted to have a go for the challenge.
Speaking about riding a camel instead of a horse Ms Murch said: “It’s bizarre, it’s nothing like riding horses, they [camels] are huge.
“They move very differently to horses – it’s more a case of hanging on. They can buck quite a bit and it just depends how they feel on the day.
Adding: “The louder people shout – the faster they go.”
Thousands of spectators cheered on the fearless riders in the one-furlong races – but some camels were not in the mood.
Describing what it was like to see camels on the famous track, Racegoer Adrian Hurley, of Derbyshire, said: “It’s a weird thing to see and it looked more dangerous than horse racing.
Adding: “I think the riders were very brave to have a go, you wouldn’t get me on a camel.”
Paul Witt, from Kings Lynn, said: “I love Beverley and it’s great to see something different but I am not betting on camels – I am going to save my money.”
All the riders pledged to raise at least £1,500 for Save the Children.
