London played host to a camel race when two purpose-bred beasts competed in a 75m dash.Published: 7:00AM BST 04 Sep 2009
Saracens Rugby club claimed a British first, as all previous camel racing in the country using traditional zoo animals rather than bloodline racers.
The club used the event to promote their Big Day Out at Wembley on Saturday September 12, which will see the side take on Northampton Saints.
The winner of Thursday's race will compete during half time.
The racing animals and specially trained jockeys hurtled along Potters Field near Tower Bridge, with the winning Bactrian two-humped camel, called Sarah, completing the course in 17 seconds.
Winning jockey Andy Probert said: "I knew she could do it – we're on our way to Wembley, I can't believe it, this is a dream come true.
"I am delighted to be pioneering camel racing with Saracens and simply can't wait to go to Wembley.
"Sarah will get extra apples in her feed tonight."
A club spokesman said: "The new progressive stance for Saracens RFU comes at a time when sporting clubs and fixtures are embracing new and exciting methods of spectator and fan-base interactivity.
"Camel racing, a sport dear to the Saracens, is a logical and exciting development for the pre-match warm-up."
Tickets for the Big Day Out cost £5 for children and £10 for adults.
Also featured on the bill are Britain's Got Talent winners Diversity and a Royal Marines display team.
Organisers said they are hoping to beat the world record for attendance, set at 81,000 for the 2009 Heineken Cup semi-final between Leinster and Munster at Croke Park, Dublin.
The capacity crowd for the Wembley match will be 91,000.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/6135480/Camel-races-come-to-London.html
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