Egypt camel racers hope desert sport will spread to fresh pastures

Jockeys, most of whom are children, compete on their mounts at the starting line during the opening of the International Camel Racing festival at the Sarabium desert in Ismailia, Egypt, March 21, 2017. Picture taken March 21, 2017. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh

ISMAILIA, Egypt (Reuters) - On a desert track in eastern Egypt camels race across the sand, urged on by their young jockeys and a convoy of cars speeding alongside them.

The race is part of an annual camel festival outside the city of Ismailia which has attracted participants from 13 Arab countries this year, as well as enthusiasts from France, Germany, Italy and Austria.