Race day arrives at Beirut’s hippodrome – in pictures

  • Beirut's hippodrome is ready for horse racing action. All photos by Finbar Anderson for The National
    Beirut's hippodrome is ready for horse racing action. All photos by Finbar Anderson for The National
  • Handlers present a horse for inspection before a race.
    Handlers present a horse for inspection before a race.
  • Punters inspect horses in the paddock before placing their bets.
    Punters inspect horses in the paddock before placing their bets.
  • Jockeys are weighed on race day.
    Jockeys are weighed on race day.
  • Punters take their seats in the grandstand before a day of racing gets under way.
    Punters take their seats in the grandstand before a day of racing gets under way.
  • A man inspects race day statistics.
    A man inspects race day statistics.
  • Ya Gharami waits for the start of his race in the shadow of Beirut's high-rise apartment blocks.
    Ya Gharami waits for the start of his race in the shadow of Beirut's high-rise apartment blocks.
  • Horses race to the finish line in front of the grandstand.
    Horses race to the finish line in front of the grandstand.
  • The jockey of Troy, the winning horse, celebrates a victory.
    The jockey of Troy, the winning horse, celebrates a victory.