Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

One of the many exciting donkey races:

Whoever said that rural folks do not know how to entertain themselves should take that back ... and apologise, too. Several of these communities have successfully staged events which have debunked those beliefs, and the community of Top Hill in St Catherine did exactly that recently, with donkey races in the area.

Hundreds of residents flocked the community outside Lluidas Vale on August 1 to celebrate this annual event, and it was a day to remember.

The Outlook team visited Top Hill, having heard of the spectacle that the donkey race was. Braving the rain and wet conditions were several beasts of burden, which were taken nearby to graze before they were introduced to the starters. Soon the 100-metre stretch of pavement was transformed into a small race track. Each of the day's eight races had two competitors, and after John Dawkins won the first race it was total enjoyment, with other winners and one dead heat.

Betting also took place. The donkey race was another chance to gamble, and the rural folks took it.

Though the donkey race was the main attraction, the folks were there for the food as well. There was not a shortage of food or beverage in Top Hill that day. The vendors were out in numbers and did brisk business.

Donkey race in Top Hill, it seems, has been a well-kept secret, because the event has taken place there for the last 20 years. Persons who spoke to Outlook said that they looked forward to the race.

bigger each year

"Is years now I coming and my time cannot be complete without the annual donkey race. It just mek yu feel different to see how the community come together," remarked Mitchell Leaky, a visitor from England.

The organiser, Barrington Dari, said that the donkey race was born out of love. He related that a man celebrated his birthday on August 1 and the community started celebrating it with him, "with one and two donkey races, but now it has grown and each year it gets bigger".

"We are thankful for the love that is being shown," he said.

His views were echoed by several persons who plan to make the event a must-attend, come 2009.

The old-timer seems to be closing in on the younger 'jockey'.- photos by Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Supporters congratulating a 'jockey' after he won a race.