The Royal Ascot Goat Races returned on Saturday at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Lakeside. As expected, it had lots of fun.
After a six-year break, one would have thought the event had lost its gloss and probably people had moved on. Not a chance.
Not even the rain that tried to spoil the fun for some minutes could bring this fanfare that started at midday to a halt.
A cross section of people comprising of: royals, corporates, diplomats, glitterati, business men, travel blogger and media, social media influencers and a cross section of high society flocked in by the droves.
Besides the traditional competitions for Best Dressed Couple; Best Dressed man; Best Hat; Best Dressed Lady; Best Dressed Child and Best Goat Name, this time there were prizes for photo uploads. These included Best selfie; Best couple Selfie; Best Goat Impression and cute Group Selfie among others. All competitions won prizes.
The goats raced, of course, pushed by the goat handlers on the track but it was apparent that most of the goats fielded for the event were visibly not in a racing mood. Still, they had to do the entire seven races for the day cheered and urged on to the finish line by the different bettors who had staked money per goat to win.
The event’s winning goat that won the Kia Motor Goat race was a billy goat named the Dancing Goat. That was the last race before dusk crept in.
There were musical performances from artistes Bebe Cool and Fik Fameika. All proceeds from the race went to a charity cause.