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‘Give the donkeys a track’- Clarence ‘Boogie’ Freeman

- said having donkey races on the roads may be harmful to the animals
Commenting on the recent failed donkey races for the Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta on August 7, 2015 Clarence ‘Boogie’ Freeman is of the view that there should be a special track for donkey races rather than have them run on hard surfaces that could damage their hooves. Photo: VINO/File
Clarence 'Boogie' Freeman said more young men should be trained to ride donkeys “because when the donkey start running and you have to hop on him you got to be very active to get on him.” Photo: VINO
Clarence 'Boogie' Freeman said more young men should be trained to ride donkeys “because when the donkey start running and you have to hop on him you got to be very active to get on him.” Photo: VINO
The much looked forward to donkey races in Carrot Bay turned out to be a disappointment as the races failed to get going after two attempts. Photo: VINO
The much looked forward to donkey races in Carrot Bay turned out to be a disappointment as the races failed to get going after two attempts. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Commenting on the recent failed donkey races for the Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta on August 7, 2015 Clarence ‘Boogie’ Freeman is of the view that there should be a special track for donkey races rather than have them run on hard surfaces that could damage their hooves.

Mr Freeman was at the time a guest of Douglas Wheatley on Speak Out BVI on ZBVI 780 AM on August 11, 2015.

“There was a major concern down in Carrot Bay. I think there should have had an area where the donkeys could have run in a circle down there instead of having them run on the road. It is not a good feeling to run those animals on that asphalt.

“They should have an area cleared off like the track where you can circle them and run them. Persons can fall off and get hurt,” Mr Freeman opined.

“It’s not a good thing for the donkeys feet either… they need to run on something soft. If they can give the horses a track them they can give the donkeys one too,” Mr Freeman continued.

According to the ‘local historian’ Freeman, some years ago there was a “Donkey Derby” that was very “effective and interesting” and drew a number of spectators.

Freeman said too that young men should be trained to ride donkeys “because when the donkey start running and you have to hop on him you got to be very active to get on him.”

Meanwhile, the much looked forward to donkey races in Carrot Bay turned out to be a disappointment as the races failed to get going after two attempts.

10 Responses to “‘Give the donkeys a track’- Clarence ‘Boogie’ Freeman”

  • Kingfish (15/08/2015, 12:15) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    It is a shame to see those big men riding and running those poor animals, wake up and let the animals live FREE.
    • First district (15/08/2015, 19:45) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Slavery was worst than riding a donkey think about it
      • Kingfish (16/08/2015, 07:33) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        @ First district: that is true, however slavery was abolished because people knew it was wrong.
    • First district (15/08/2015, 19:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Slavery was worst than riding a donkey think about it
  • notes (15/08/2015, 12:17) Like (10) Dislike (5) Reply
    we already have a donkey track. its called the voting booth
  • Looking on (15/08/2015, 14:41) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr. Freeman you are so right 100% in what you are saying. Animals have feelings too just like us. The donkey had alright to bolt. Where is the animal rights in the bvi?. those big heavy men on the back of those donkeys how on earth they can run on that hard asphalt and not hurt their feet. Andrew Fahie this is your thing please look into it for the health of the donkeys and not just for laughter from the onlookers.
  • mrc (15/08/2015, 16:54) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    lawd every body want dem two mins of fame
  • yes (15/08/2015, 21:21) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    We will prefer dog racing than donkey.
    • jokes (16/08/2015, 08:35) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      I think crab race would be more exciting as well. These animals are called "asses" for a reason. They cannot obey commands well.
  • On looker (16/08/2015, 08:30) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    What the hell donkey race track is needed. This is absurd. The BVI hardly have donkeys and they are not good racing animals anyway. What is needed is to stop having annual donkey race with 3 donkeys and find something more exciting to introduce. The men on the donkeys don't even know how to ride them in a race. One cannot put all that weight on the middle of the donkey's back.


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