Locals take part in a traditional buffalo racing competition in Thailand. The men mounted the beasts for the ten-second long sprints at the event in Chonburi province on Saturday October 12. They sit on the hind quarters of the powerful animals, using a halter to keep balance while whipping the buffalo. The first to finishing line some 50 metres away is the winner. Locals in the coastal region have been holding the buffalo races for more than 150 years. The annual event began as a way to honour and pay their respects to the farm animal, which is used widely throughout Thailand. The Chonburi Buffalo Racing Festival has now become a popular event for tourists who take holidays to Thailand to visit and watch the spectacle. The opening ceremony was presided over by Culture Minister Ittiphol Khunpluem. In the morning, there was a buffalo cart parade of over one kilometer in length which was observed by a large number of people and both Thai and foreign tourists. Footage shows the annual festival set to royalty free music.