As a former habitue of the race track I couldn't let this one go by. Right now it is racing season in the United Arab Emirates i.e. Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This time it is camels - not horses. Since they outlawed child jockeys they have been replaced with small robots wearing owner's silks and sitting on metal saddles. The robots are equipped with light weight whips to urge on their mounts. The owners ride along side the track in their SUVS equipped with walkie-talkie so they can speak to their steeds via the robot. There is no pari-mutuel betting - just bragging rights and the winning mounts get a saffron bath. This is not the sport of kings - rather that of Emirs but I doubt it will sell at Saratoga or Belmont.
tjs
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/28/sports/camel-racing-in-the-united-arab-emirates-is-a-blend-of-centuries-old-traditions-and-modern-technology.html
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