Bull Racing in West Bali

One of Bali’s unusual sporting attractions are the Bull Races which are held in the town of Negara, 95 Km to the west of Denpasar. The history of this sport dates back to less than a century ago and it is thought by some to have been introduced into Bali from either Java or Madura where the races there have be held for many centuries. Other believe that the sport evolved it self by the local farmer who, whilst plowing the rice field after the harvest, or bringing home the rice harvest, raced each other just for the fun. Whatever the history, the races are a colorful and exciting event.
The bulls, which are water buffalo (mise), are bred specifically for racing and are never used as work animal. These animals are selected for color as well as their strength. Prior to the race, bull’s head and horns are decorated with colored cloth, silver leather or zinc and around the bull’s neck is hung a large bell. Traditionally the bull was made from wood, but nowadays many metal bells can be seen and heard.
Two bulls are harnessed side by side to a simple cart, which has iron clad wooden wheels, and a base platform where the rider either sit are as is more usual stands throughout the race. Events though the carts are simple in construction, teak or other expensive timber are used. Attached to the carts central harness shaft is a vertical pole where the owner’s color is proudly displayed on a vertical banner.
Over the years, the race have developed into a well organized event with terms of rider competing from villages east and west of the Ijo Gading river. The competition are held to determine the champions from either side of the river, who will then complete against each other at the annual Governors Cup race held at the end of the rice harvest in mid summer, Sunday (23/10) this year.
An interesting feature of the races is that quite often the team and riders will race each other from separate start and finish lines on the same track. The reason being that, in many cases, the width of the track is limited to two bulls making it impossible to race four animals abreast. Two start and finish line are marked on the course 10 m apart and the winner is the team whose wheels first cross “his” finish line, after a race of 1,5 km. Interestingly enough the race is run each way over the same course, however, the second part of the race the deciding race, the first part is only considered as a “warm-up”. (BTN/BTM)