Sheep set for races at show

Racing on four legs is usually of the equine variety but not so at this weekend’s Countryside Live when sheep, rather than horses, will go under starters orders.
By Ben Barnett
Published 16th Oct 2014, 18:41 BST
Young farmers Emma Tingle and Ian Close watched by Show Director Bill Cowling.Young farmers Emma Tingle and Ian Close watched by Show Director Bill Cowling.
Young farmers Emma Tingle and Ian Close watched by Show Director Bill Cowling.

For the first time, sheep racing is included on the programme of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s two-day rural extravaganza at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate this Saturday and Sunday.

Ahead of the event, show director Bill Cowling supervised a practice run for the woolly competitors around a special showground circuit.

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Sheep races, organised by members of the Yorkshire Young Farmers Clubs, will take place twice daily at Countryside Live when Young Farmers Club members will compete for the fastest lap.

Young farmers Emma Tingle and Ian Close watched by Show Director Bill Cowling.Young farmers Emma Tingle and Ian Close watched by Show Director Bill Cowling.
Young farmers Emma Tingle and Ian Close watched by Show Director Bill Cowling.

“It will be great fun I’m sure, and we’re keeping our fingers crossed that the going will be good. Although there won’t be betting, I’m sure there will be plenty of cheering for the favourite,” said Mr Cowling.

Countryside Live is the little sister event of the Great Yorkshire Show and includes competitive classes for cattle, sheep and horses, as well as for poultry, pigeons and honey.

Gates open at 9am each day. Tickets are available on the gate.

Related topics:SheepYorkshire Agricultural SocietyGreat Yorkshire ShowgroundHarrogateTickets