Click here to see your options for becoming a subscriber. If you made a voluntary contribution in , but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one at no additional charge. VIP Digital Access includes access to all websites and online content. The donkeys in the race must carry a saddle containing a pick, shovel and a gold pan, totaling at least 35 pounds. The racers job is to cajole their donkeys to finish the race. Now in its 80th year, the race has taken on a life of its own and gained international fame in the process.
It all began in when local businessman Charley Lehew, owner of the Cripple Creek Auto Company, and fellow businessman Bryan Jones, thought of a new way to attract customers to the area. By the late s, gold production in the District had slowed and business owners were struggling.
Donkeys roamed the town freely at the time — and some still do. According to legend, a small herd would gather each evening in front of the Palace Drug Store to be fed by the owner, Mr. As the story goes, Mr. Lynch made the remark that there were derbies held for all sorts of animals, so why not have a donkey derby?
Lehew and Jones took notice. The donkeys in Cripple Creek were thought to be direct descendents of the donkeys that had been used by the miners in the gold mines dating to The big-eared creatures played an important role in early Cripple Creek and its nearly two dozen towns.
During the gold rush, donkeys were used as pack animals. Their ability to traverse mountain environments while hauling heavy loads including equipment, tools, and other supplies made them perfect for the mines in Cripple Creek and Victor.
They built a new race track at Union Park and arranged for concessions and entertainment. Adams kicked off the weekend with a tribute to donkeys and miners. Then the governor and his staff led the parade down Bennett Avenue riding donkeys. The main event was the Grand Donkey Sweepstakes. Thirty-five donkeys from as far away as Pennsylvania were raced in that first derby. The only rule was the rider and donkey must cross the finish line together, with the rider still atop his donkey.
The winner received a silver loving cup. Trenary notes that there were other donkey events that first weekend in , including a Boys Relay Race, a Girls Chariot Race and a Visitors Free-for-all.
The annual event was expanded in the s to include a carnival, rodeo and hard rock drilling competitions. By , however, interest in Donkey Derby Days had waned. In the process the route of the race was again changed. Riders had to start in Victor, ride overland through Altman and Midway finishing up at 1st and Bennett in Cripple Creek.
A contestant still had to cross the finish line atop their donkey. Specially trained donkeys are now brought in from Idaho Springs. We are unable to provide donkey riding hats , please ensure that all riders bring their own. These are not used in Donkey Racing as there is always the possibility of Jockeys catching their feet in the stirrups and being dragged should they fall. A horseshoe shaped or straight course approximately to yards long 25ft wide. The course should be enclosed either by a fence or two strands of rope.
The donkey paddock should NOT be incorporated in the course but set beyond the finish. It is essential to have a good width of course to avoid collision and allow the donkeys to space themselves out. All our prices are for maximum of 6 races of 6 Donkeys.
We reserve the right to increase the fee should the number of races required be in excess of this. Suggest starting not before 2 - 2. Short sharp meetings hold the public interested. Crowds tend to drift after 4. Wivelsfield Green, Sussex. Crowds and cars are seen everywhere.
Crowded grandstand can be seen in the background. Cut to a high angle shot of a line of donkeys lead by children. Several shots of the people selling toys, people waiting and children preparing for the race.
Officials judges inspect lined donkeys. Bookmakers shouting the odds and people betting. Children on donkeys are lined up in starting position.
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