THEY can be temperamental, they can be unpredictable, they run at speeds of up to 65 kilometres per hour and when the camels take to the Bathurst Paceway this September they will entertain.
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With coronavirus measures across the state easing and crowds again permitted at sporting events - albeit it with restrictions - Camel Racing Downunder has confirmed it plans to go ahead with its Bathurst debut.
Though Camel Racing Dowunder's Jason Bock said the event going ahead is still dependant on state government advice at the time, he said Bathurst residents can look forward to a fun-filled evening.
"This is the first time we are coming to Bathurst, but we have done Gosford, which we are doing again this year all things being well, and the same with Penrith. We got nearly 15,000 people to Penrith last year," he said.
"It's just like a picnic race day. You can bet on the day, but when I say bet it's like a sweep, so everyone can go in a sweep.
"It's a fun family day at the races. We also do our human races too where we dress them up in suits - have like T-Rex races - so it is very family friendly."
Just as is the case when harness racing takes place at the Bathurst Paceway with specialist drivers in the gig, there are specialist jockeys who will guide the camels towards the finish post.
Well in some cases it could be more a case of attempting to guide a camel.
"They do have regular jockeys, they come from the company that brings the camels to us. We have about six or seven races during the day and they race about 40 minutes apart," Bock said.
"They are temperamental, yes, even the jockeys say they are not easy to ride, they have a mind of their own. But yes, that adds to the excitement.
"It's definitely a lot fun."
The Camel Racing Downunder event in Bathurst is planned for September 12 and will run from 4pm-9pm.
