Camels, Ostriches To Race At Canterbury On 'Extreme Race Day'

SHAKOPEE, Minn. (WCCO) -- The sixth annual Extreme Race Day at Canterbury Park in Shakopee will feature a camel race and an ostrich race.

Jeff Maday, a spokesman at Canterbury Park, said it's definitely a popular attraction.

"It's become a fan favorite," Maday said.

The camels start in the same gates as the horses. He said they usually run in a straight line, but the ostriches are a different story.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO's Susie Jones Reports

"It's a little strap around their mid-section. It reminds me of what it would be like if you were trying to ride a football," he said.

He said the jockeys just try to hang on, and many don't make it to the finish line.

You can officially bet on the camel or ostrich races, but he said sometimes there are some friendly wagers among family members.

The camel race starts at about 3 p.m. Saturday. The ostrich race will start at about 4:40 p.m.