Syrian horse racing championship

One of the race winners at Berri Al-Sharqi, in Hamah governorate, Syria. All photos: Hasan Belal for The National
One of the race winners at Berri Al-Sharqi, in Hamah governorate, Syria. All photos: Hasan Belal for The National
Racing at Berri Al-Sharqi in Hamah governorate
Racing at Berri Al-Sharqi in Hamah governorate
A young spectator watching the races
A young spectator watching the races
A group of spectators near the finish line
A group of spectators near the finish line
One of the jockeys with his assistant before a race
One of the jockeys with his assistant before a race
A race fan from out of town arrives to watch the events
A race fan from out of town arrives to watch the events
Men in traditional dress at the races
Men in traditional dress at the races
A group of the Syrian state representatives observe a minute of silence before the racing begins
A group of the Syrian state representatives observe a minute of silence before the racing begins
Volunteers preparing the race area for the event
Volunteers preparing the race area for the event
Volunteers erect temporary structures the day before the event
Volunteers erect temporary structures the day before the event
Set-up operations on the day before the race meeting
Set-up operations on the day before the race meeting
Preparations continue after dark with the help of light from mobile phones
Preparations continue after dark with the help of light from mobile phones
Preparations continue into the night with volunteers using mobile phones for lighting because of the lack of electricity
Preparations continue into the night with volunteers using mobile phones for lighting because of the lack of electricity
Cleaning the stables is a daily chore in Berri Al-Sharqi
Cleaning the stables is a daily chore in Berri Al-Sharqi
Men record the racing for posterity
Men record the racing for posterity
A horse and rider at full tilt on the desert track
A horse and rider at full tilt on the desert track
Faisal, 14, after winning one of the races
Faisal, 14, after winning one of the races
Faisal and Ahmed celebrate after the final race of the day
Faisal and Ahmed celebrate after the final race of the day