| Where: | Formerly at Moffat, Dumfriesshire on the High Street |
| When: | Formerly A Sunday early to mid August |
| Time: | Formerly 12 noon |
Moffat has a long standing association with sheep – there’s even a huge statue of a Ram in the Market Place – but today’s association had less to do until recently with the wool trade and more to do with woollen jockeys riding their ovine steeds in the fast and furious Sheep Races held each August. The event began in 2012 so was a relative newcomer to the annual calendar, but proved very popular with locals and visitors alike. There was also a Farmers Market and other attractions on the day, and betting was available for those who like a flutter. There were several heats followed by a Grand Final for all the heat winners. The real stars of the show, apart from the speedy sheep themselves, were the characterful knitted jockeys.
Helpful Hints
The date varied a little but it was always a Sunday in early to mid August. In 2017 it was due to be held on Sunday August 13th but was cancelled for legal reasons just a couple of days earlier and hasn’t been scheduled since so I conclude that no further races are planned…please contact me if you know any different!
The jockeys could be viewed up close at the foot of the Ram statue before the races begin.
Click here for the event Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/moffatsheepraces/
When will,we,stop,using animals for, our amusement & to make money! It’ s a disgrace. These sheep must be utterly bewildered,by the noise.
I totally agree with you Elizabeth the sheep will be terrified all in the name of entertainment. How can anyone find this amusing? There is loads of other ways to have a good family day out without exploiting animals.
I agree, unnecessary abuse of gentle animals for the sake of humans entertainment and ultimately money..glad it’s been cancelled!
Is there any racing in December
No, it’s always August (I’ll be checking nearer the time to see if it’s on in 2018 as the 2017 races were cancelled at the last minute)