The highly exclusive and exotic sport of camel racing is rooted deep in the middle eastern tradition and culture. Merging it into the modern world, UAE hosted its first camel race with female jockeys. The race featured eight women competing along a 1,200m-long course, with New Zealand rider Sarah Collins the winner. The first female camel race took place at the Al Marmoom Racetrack in Dubai after the Dubai Camel Racing Society approved female race licenses. While camel racing is a centuries-old pastime in this region, the Arabian Desert Camel Riding Center (ADCRC) has brought something new to the sport – the first licensed female camel race. The event took place a couple of weeks ago as part of the C1 Championship in Al Marmoom, with an impressive audience of over 200 spectators.
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Camel Racing Is A Centuries-Old Pastime In This Region
Sarah Collins from New Zealand was the race winner and said proving to the male-dominated sport that women can compete felt better than the victory. Collins was a competitive horse racer back home in New Zealand. She then joined the Arabian Desert Camel Riding Centre in May and started training for the race. “I had always wanted to learn how to ride a camel properly, to gallop on a camel, but I never dreamt I would make history by winning the first-ever licensed female race.”
While camel racing is a centuries-old pastime in this region, the Arabian Desert Camel Riding Center (ADCRC) has brought something new to the sport – the first licensed female camel race. The event took place a couple of weeks ago as part of the C1 Championship in Al Marmoom, with an impressive audience of over 200 spectators. In terms of progress, this arena has seen remarkable strides as the jockeys have been awarded their camel racing licenses, making this the first achievement for women in the sport.
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6 More Races Are Planned Throughout The Season
The C1 Championship kicked off with the first race over 1200m with 8 female jockeys competing with their camels.
The riders trained extremely hard not only how to canter, but also how to ride camels in all gaits and different terrains.
The team of ladies from New Zealand, Poland, Russia, Ireland and Germany took to camel riding and racing to not only connect with cultural elements of their chosen country of residence, the UAE but to become part of it. The race was a true celebration of cultural exchange and sports alike. There are six more races planned throughout the season which will determine the champion of the season.
The series founder, Linda Krockenberger from Germany, said that the C1 Championship stands for transparent racing that is accessible for all women, where they can showcase our training results and ability, as well as honour the unique role that camels play in the UAE’s identity. There is no better way to unite a community than through the merging of sports and heritage. After garnering a massive fan base post the event, ADCRC is open for daily classes to train those interested in participating in this initiative along with opportunities open for a team sponsor. From small group classes to desert hacks, each session is another opportunity to connect with camels.
For more information on the upcoming races and schedule of events visit adcrc.me
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