A day at the Races in Burrell Boom

Belize has a long standing history of horse-racing. It started back in the 1920's, when locals would gather to race their little bush ponies, drink, gamble, and to answer that all-important question: who owned the fastest horse! In those days, there were only two big racing events held each year; the Dewars cup, sponsored by Dewars White Label Company, was held December 26th, and the second major racing event was held January 1st. Both of these exciting races soon demonstrated that Belizeans have an insatiable appetite for the sport of horse racing. Belizeans gather to passionately urge on horses that are not just animals, but represent pride, will, and family.



Yesterday just a few miles from Black Orchid Resort there was the Horse race event that takes place here every year on December 26 - The Boxing Day. Horse racing activities generate income for the community; provide entertainment for families and opportunities for businesses to advertise.


It was very crowded, with horse stalls everywhere. There were plenty of attractions offered to the public – games, drinks, souvenirs. All of this activity was played out against the background symphony of the rumble of iron clad hooves pounding into packed dirt like the promise of a distant thunderstorm. The stands vibrated with the power of the magnificent animals tearing past below us, until not only we were watching the race, we were immersed in it, experiencing it from the inside, with all of the rise and fall of powerful emotions that have made this one of the most popular sports in the world!


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Horse racing is known as the Sport of Kings. That's because racing manifests the ego like no other sport; there's something about winning a horse race that's like no other. It satisfies some inner creature. No matter what part you're playing, owner or jockey or trainer, everyone gathers trying to seek that win.

You can be a winner too choosing horseback riding as one of your Belize Tours.