August 11th, 2015: Moffat Sheep Race

[xoxoxoBruce]

Seems my kinfolk have a proclivity for Scotch Whiskey, gambling, and sheep.

It's a Lamb-orghini! Thousands cheer on ewes and their knitted woollen jockeys as they hurtle through the streets in rural town's annual sheep races

Losing punters could have claimed it was a stitch-up. But those who tipped the successful hand-knitted jockey in today's Moffat sheep Race will have been far from sheepish when collecting their winnings, having proved themselves as experts when it comes to judging speedy ewes.

The annual get-together has become an unmissable event in the Dumfries and Galloway town, where locals and tourists try their hand betting on sheep as they hurtle through Moffat's closed High Street in a series of fun races. All of the ewes, which are supplied by a local farm, don racing uniforms and fancy dress items for their runs, and sprint to the finish line carrying woollen jockeys on their backs. There are also several races where rams lock horns on the track too.

The sheep races celebrate Moffat’s sheep farming and centuries old woollen industry, with the event made possible by the generosity and support of the local farming community. Moffat's best known pubs, restaurants, cafés, craft and gift shops all join in the festivities, with street stalls popping up to offer visitors the best in local produce, arts and crafts.

Today's running was the fourth year in a row the races have taken place, with crowds getting bigger each time.

Seems every town and city in the UK has a High Street, or they just call whatever street ends up being the busiest commercial street, the high street.