An unexpected and rather exotic type of horse racing is mule racing. Cute long-eared horses turn out to be wonderful runners. Watching them race and placing bets is no less exciting than attending a Thoroughbred or Quarter Horse competition. However, mules are not exactly horses.
Who are mules
Mules are often a result of breeding a mare with a donkey, while hinnies come from mating a stallion with a donkey. Despite being less common, hinnies have the same appearance as mules. Both are generally referred to as mules.
Physically, mules resemble horses but inherit many beneficial traits from donkeys. They are lighter than horses, making them exceptional jumpers. They are low-maintenance in terms of food and water, and can withstand hot temperatures, making them valuable in agriculture in warmer regions.
With endurance from donkeys and speed from horses, mules are a successful hybrid combining the best of both worlds. Their skeletons are so similar to horses that visual differentiation is nearly impossible without DNA analysis.
Mules are less stubborn than donkeys but possess independence and resilience not typically found in horses. They have a strong sense of self-preservation and rarely sustain injuries. Mules also have strong nerves, reacting calmly to stimuli that might startle a horse.
Female mules are called molly, while males are referred to as john. Mules are sterile, and breeding is extremely rare. Male mules are typically castrated.
In order to produce larger mules, mammoth donkeys were selectively bred in Spain and crossed with mares in North America to create the popular Missouri Mule.
History of Mule Racing
Researcher Karen Glynn from Cape Town, South Africa, explores the rise of mule racing in the North American tradition in her dissertation titled "Mule Racing in the Mississippi Delta: 1938-1950." In the early 20th century, there were approximately 2.5 million mules working in American fields and plantations, known for their hardworking and adaptable nature. However, with the advent of mechanisation and the introduction of tractors, the mule population began to decline. Despite this, mule racing remained a popular pastime for plantation workers, particularly among African Americans, who were segregated from white participants in traditional horse racing events. Planters would train their mules for races, and instances of fraud were not uncommon, with owners disguising their champion mules to enter competitions. The Gentlemen's Jockey competition was a notable exception, where white planters would race their champion mules in a manner similar to thoroughbred horse racing events.
Modern Mule Racing
The American Mule Racing Association (AMRA) serves as a governing body for mule racing, similar to the Jockey Club for horse racing. It standardises regulations for races held in various states, with distances ranging from 220 to 870 yards. Mules typically begin racing at three years old, a year later than horses, and female mules (molly mules) are generally considered faster than male mules (john mules). Betting on mule races has been popular since 1978, offering exciting potential payouts due to the unpredictable nature of mule racing. Unlike horses, mules excel in sprint races, minimising the risk of injuries during competitions. While the average retirement age for a mule is typically 11-15 years old, some continue to compete in endurance races after their racing career. Remarkably, mule Loretta Lynn won a race at the age of 19. One famous mule, Tsar, made history by winning the California Horsemen's Association finals at 26 years old, surpassing horses in the competition.
Mule Race Venues
Mule racing is currently featured at the California State Fair and various county fairs in Alameda, Los Angeles, San Joaquin, Sonoma, and Humboldt. The Humboldt County Fairgrounds in Winnemucca, Nevada, have gained global recognition for hosting mule racing events. In 2006, two cloned mules named Idaho Jam and Idaho Star made a mark by winning the Humboldt Futurity.
Typically scheduled after races featuring thoroughbreds and Arabian horses, mule races attract enthusiasts who enjoy observing the animals being prepared for competition and placing bets on their favoured mule. Despite being limited to fair races, mule racing is overseen by centralised management and adheres to strict regulations. With the potential for growth in popularity, this sport awaits the support of sponsors and fans to expand its reach and appeal, aiming to rival other well-known equestrian disciplines like Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, and Arabian racing.