Concerned over the shortage of bullocks, a Pyinmana township resident in Nay Pyi Taw organised a bullock cart race, hoping to raise awareness and encourage others to breed the animals.

The organiser, U Min Min from Kyee Inn village next to the old Yangon-Mandalay highway, said he was worried about the dwindling numbers of bullocks.

“The main problem faced by locals like me is the shortage of bullocks. So, I am organising this race to create awareness among the rural communities.

“I hope we will gain awareness and knowledge that will help us breed pedigree bulls and care for them. That is the purpose of this event, and my message to the people,” he said.

The race in Kyee Inn started on April 1 and ended yesterday, said U Min Min.

The event has attracted 80 participants from his village and nearby townships.

U Min Min said each cart was pulled by a pair of bullocks but if one of the animals got injured, no substitution was allowed.

“The driver has to carry on with one bullock. If he replaces the injured animal with another, then he is disqualified.
“On Monday, we saw one driver continuing the race with a single bullock,” he said.

The races are divided into three categories, according to the age of the bullocks.

Apart from the races, there is also a “beauty contest race” where the contestants race their animals down the track without carts.

The first prize winner took home K500,000 while the second and third prize winners got K400,000 and K300,000 respectively.

The event has attracted thousands to watch the races since last Saturday, said a spectator Ko Myo Thant, who has been cheering for the contestants in every race.

The spectators have also been treated to free meals of rice and curry daily from 6am to 9pm, courtesy of the race organiser.

“We have been feeding 4500 to 5000 people a day,” said U Min Min, who had organised similar races before.

Before the current event, he had organised seven races in other villages in Pyinmana township.

But this is only the second time he is having the race in his own village since the first race in 2012.

– Translation by Win Thaw Tar