Races are coming to Quirindi this month, but they're not your usual horse races.
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Quirindi High School will be running the inaugural Quirindi Camel Cup in partnership with Liverpool Plains Shire Council and the Quirindi Jockey Club on March 21.
Cameleer for the cup Rod Sansom congratulated the school for bringing camel racing and rides to the region.
"It's great to see a community thinking outside the box when hosting events. Camel races are fun and entertaining and it's sure to be a great family event in Quirindi," Mr Sansom said.
"It's not like horse racing; camels make up their own mind about things, and they may want to stop and say hello to another camel in the race or they may not feel like racing.
"It's always fun to watch them because they are so entertaining."
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As well as having their own personality, camels love a pat and a hug.
"The camels we have for the public rides are really friendly; people can give them a hug and have their photos taken with them. Anyone can go for a camel ride, they're really relaxed animals," Mr Sansom said.
The cameleer grew up working on a dairy farm in the Hunter region and spent his life surrounded by chickens, goats, cows and critters of all kinds.
"My family also had an animal park, so I've worked with animals my whole life, including in television adverts and in movies," Mr Sansom said.
It's this true passion for animals that saw Mr Sansom become a cameleer some 16 years ago.
"We have over 70 camels on our Oakfield Ranch from areas as far away as South Australia and Queensland and travel around the state for camel races and camel rides," he said.
Camels are so different, they are not just an everyday animal, they are just a fun animal.
- Cameleer Rod Sansom
Now in his fifties, he believes camels are his favourite creatures, not just because of their size, but for their cheeky personalities.
"Camels are so different, they are not just an everyday animal, they are just a fun animal. They're very intelligent and have a big heart and a long memory, so come along to the Quirindi Camel Cup and say hello to a camel, you may just make a friend for life," the cameleer said.
Mr Sansom and his entourage, including partner Dianne, five camel jockeys and five fellow cameleers, are looking forward to heading to Quirindi for the event.
"It's only two weeks away and we can't wait," he said.
The event will be held at Quirindi Showgrounds and Racecourse on Saturday, March 21 from 10am-4pm.
The family-friendly day out will also feature bespoke markets, novelty events, food and drinks, stalls and much more fun.
