The people of Malappuram were treated to an exotic and exciting sport on Sunday when dozens of horses galloped along the specially prepared tracks at Kadappady near Calicut University. The equestrian race organised by the Malappuram District Horse Riders (MDHR) and the Kadappady Cultural Movement (KCM) provided a memorable experience for the crowds.
Although the two-day race had begun on Saturday afternoon, the events of the South India Horse Riders Competition heated up on Sunday.
Crowds cheered as each jockey guided his horse with zest and care along the tracks. Speed and rhythm caught the imagination of the people as they enjoyed the clouds of dust raised by the galloping horses.
“It was amazing. We don’t know the technicalities of horse racing. We don’t know what makes a horse different from another. But we could enjoy each moment of the sport,” said Mubarak Rauf, a young sporting enthusiast from Malappuram.
P. Abdul Hameed, MLA, flagged off the event held in several rounds. Around 100 horses from various parts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka took part in the event.
Rani Horse Riders, Ponnani, won the first prize in the Indian breed competition. Horse Riders, Cherpulassery, won the first prize in pony segment. SR Group, Cherpulassery, won the first prize in thorough breed category.
The Malappuram District Horse Riders had conducted a horse race at MSP Grounds, Koottilangadi, last year, providing huge relief for the people of Malappuram during the pandemic. Hundreds had witnessed Malappuram’s maiden horse race in 2021.
But the police had stopped the race midway claiming there was COVID-19 protocol violation, and the organizers had to cancel the final round.
