Moffat Sheep Races

Where: Formerly at Moffat, Dumfriesshire on the High Street
When: Formerly A Sunday early to mid August
Time: Formerly 12 noon

 

Woolly Jumpers

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/

View this location on the map.