CHONBURI, Thailand, Oct 28 — Spectators cheered as water buffalos stormed to the finish line at the 2015 buffalo races during a festival that began more than a century ago.

A water buffalo set for the race, which also celebrates the rice harvest, dating back to the buffalo trade in Chonburi, once the commercial centre of Thailand’s east. — Reuters pic

“You have to try to let the buffalos dash out before the competitors,” said professional jockey Niwat Saengkam. “I was the champion last year and I intend to keep the title this year.”   

In addition to the races that can increase the value of the winning animals, the festival includes parades and other cultural events. — Reuters