Thousands of people have descended on a small town in outback Queensland for the camel racing equivalent of the Melbourne Cup. In the climax of a weekend of festivities, the race that stops the town of Boulia was run and won.

Boulia

The Boulia Camel Races in outback Queensland attracted around 3,000 spectators for its 400-metre final, where a camel named Polished Copper claimed the top prize, remaining undefeated in the cup this year. The event showcased the distinct challenges of camel racing, with competitors and their camels overcoming unpredictable moments, such as a camel named Vegemite running without its jockey.

The races also featured a 1,200-metre final, with Geoffrey and jockey Tegan Beck taking first place. Participants and attendees highlighted the unique skills required for camel racing, including the absence of reins and the need for jockeys to hold on tightly. The event remains a celebrated tradition in outback Queensland, drawing both locals and visitors for a day of sporting entertainment.

Boulia camel races bring competitive spirit to small town

They call them the ships of the desert, slow and steady. Ready, set, go! But not today. Bull Year's Camel Races back again this year. Around 3,000 people were there for the 400m final when polished copper claimed gold. Go, go, go, go, go, go, go! Em, you just won that. How does it feel? Pretty bloody awesome. This is his fourth cup this year, so he has remained undefeated in the cup. A cup he was never supposed to race for. We're just so proud of him. He was actually on the track to go to the meatworks and, um, look at him now. He's definitely polishing a bit of copper and gold and silver. For those watching on, picking a winner can be a difficult art. What do you look for in a camel? Uh, four legs. HE LAUGHS Long eyelashes. Long eyelashes, yeah. Definitely needs long eyelashes for a camel. Ooh, long legs. Big hump and plenty of flavour around the mouth. There is one flavour, though, that maybe wasn't the best bet. Vegemite the camel bolting down the track, setting a good speed but a late scratching. He took off without his jockey, but thankfully they all stayed on for the 1,200m final. And in third place, the Holy Spirit of Satan. Crossing first, Geoffrey and jockey Tegan Beck. Woo-hoo! And although they make it look easy, racing a camel isn't. There's no reins, the jockeys hold on and pray, but if you like a little more control, it's not all about humped mounts. Some rev instead. Woo! Has anyone looked at your front tyres, mate? They've been a little bald. Yeah, but if they don't catch it, it all counts. Just another day in Outback Queensland. Matt Johnston, 10 News.

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