By Mark McConville
STUNNING IMAGES and video footage have captured several buffaloes sprinting towards the finish line in an annual race in Thailand.
![](https://mediadrumworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/MDRUM_Buffalo_Bash-2.jpg)
The action shots show rides with whips encouraging the buffaloes to race forward as they ride on their backs.
![](https://mediadrumworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/MDRUM_Buffalo_Bash-3.jpg)
Other striking pictures show riders getting their buffalo ready for the race, organisers discussing the rules with the jockeys and fans eagerly awaiting the beginning.
![](https://mediadrumworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/MDRUM_Buffalo_Bash-4.jpg)
The photographs were taken on Tuesday 23rd October by freelance photojournalist Julian King as he attended the week-long festival in Chonburi, Thailand.
![](https://mediadrumworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/MDRUM_Buffalo_Bash-5.jpg)
The race is the highlight of the festival which is now into its 147th year. An estimated 10000 people attended the annual buffalo racing this Tuesday.
![](https://mediadrumworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/MDRUM_Buffalo_Bash-6.jpg)
“The riders feed the gentle giants with a mixture of eggs and beer in order to enhance their performance,” said Julian.
![](https://mediadrumworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/MDRUM_Buffalo_Bash-7.jpg)
“For centuries, buffalos were of immense practical importance in Thailand — ploughing the fields, providing transport, and even defending villages in war conflicts.”
![](https://mediadrumworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/MDRUM_Buffalo_Bash-8.jpg)
A participating rider explained that not all buffaloes are used for the race.
![](https://mediadrumworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/MDRUM_Buffalo_Bash-9.jpg)
“Only skinny legged buffalos are being used for the race,” said a rider.
![](https://mediadrumworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/MDRUM_Buffalo_Bash-10.jpg)
“When they have fat legs, we use them for breeding.”
![](https://mediadrumworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/MDRUM_Buffalo_Bash-11.jpg)
Thailand is an agricultural country – in the old days, local farmers were dependent on buffalo to help them in the paddy fields. Hence, Thailand has a festival dedicated to giving special attention and praise to this hard-working animal.
![](https://mediadrumworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/MDRUM_Buffalo_Bash-12.jpg)
Apart from the buffalo dash, which is one of the main activities, there is usually a buffalo contest for winning breed, a farmer beauty pageant and other interesting activities focusing on the agricultural industry of Thailand.
![](https://mediadrumworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/MDRUM_Buffalo_Bash-13.jpg)