Bac Ha horse race attracts thousands of spectators

The traditional horse race on the Bac Ha Plain of Lao Cai province took place on June 8 with the participation of 87 jockeys and their horses from mountainous villages in Lao Cai and the neighbouring provinces of Ha Giang and Tuyen Quang.

Bac Ha horse race attracts thousands of spectators.

Despite the hot weather, the race of the so-called “bare-footed knights” and transport horses still attracted nearly 70,000 spectators, including many foreigners, said the organizers.

The 87 jockeys and horses were divided into 18 races to determine the fastest performers for the final rounds to compete for the top four positions.

What is unique about the Bac Ha race is that the racing horses are usually used to transport goods to the fields on the high and steep mountains while the jockeys are in actually fact genuine farmers from the ethnic groups of Mong, Tay and Nung.

At the race, spectators were treated to spectacular performances where the riders demonstrated their capability and talent for riding horses without saddles or straps.

The first prize was awarded to Vang Van Pao who earnt a cash prize of VND50 million (US$2,150) while the second and third places went to Vang Van Huynh and Vang Seo Vu, who received VND40 million and VND30 million respectively.

The horse race of Ba Ha is a unique tourism product as it holds traditional features. The race is held annually in the harvest season of Bac Ha plums. After the past 12 editions, the race has now become a familiar playground for barefoot racers and an attractive tourism product.