Tobago Goat Racing Festival celebrates 85 years

Overseas visitors – and sometimes even locals – are often puzzled when they first hear about goat-racing, a unique tradition which has become one of the most popular festivals and events in Tobago.

No to be trifled with, the island – which boasts of being the goat-racing capital of the world – takes its goat-racing very seriously. The events are serious competition. Each year, Buccoo is transformed into fierce competition ground, complete with a 100-yard track and a growing number of spectators from all over the world. And this year, on its signature day the Tuesday after Easter (6 April, 2010), the Buccoo Goat Racing Festival celebrates a whopping 85 years.

What began in 1925 as a working class alternative to horse-racing, it bears some resemblance to its sporting cousin. Goats have their own stables, owners, trainers, and jockeys – but these jockeys run barefoot behind the goats while clutching their leashes, and use twigs to spur the animals to the finish line rather than whips. Goats also bear colourful names like Rum Punch, and serious betting takes place before the race. Winners can also raise a championship trophy, topped with a golden goat, and return home with a cash prize and a bottle of rum.

See you in Buccoo!