The raceground was already filling up early in the morning, as traditional Khmer music welcomed spectators to the festival. As the competition intensified, every available viewing spot was taken. Each heat sent cheers rippling through the crowd, delivering moments of suspense for spectators and glory for the winners. This year’s festival brought fresh excitement and hopes that the tradition will reach an even wider audience.
Nguyen Trong Phu, Resident, Long Xuyen Ward, An Giang Province said: There are more visitors this year than ever before. The festival is held on a much larger scale. I hope next year’s event will be even bigger and have an even livelier atmosphere.
Nguyen Thi Thuy Ngoc, Ox owner, Tinh Bien Ward, An Giang Province said: "I have competed here for more than ten years. I’m delighted to see so many visitors this year. It makes me feel that my hometown is developing. I hope more people will learn about the festival, which will help to promote the image of my hometown".
Thundering hooves, cheering spectators and mud flying in every direction also make ox racing a paradise for photographers. Hundreds of lenses were trained on the track, each seeking to freeze a split second of speed, power and emotion.
James Bluck, American photographer said: "I like sporting events. For Americans, this is an exotic sort of thing. We don't race cows, we don't race buffalos or bulls in America. We race horses. So that's interesting to me, so I wanted to come and see it and take photos".
For creators seeking fresh experiences, watching was not enough. Some stepped onto the muddy track to experience the action firsthand.
Tran Ly Gia Huy, TikToker, Ho Chi Minh City said: "I came here to experience what it feels like to walk through the muddy field like the jockeys. I really wanted to try it for myself. The biggest difference is the energy. It already looks lively on television, but being here among the local crowd takes that energy to another level. It is explosive".
For many visitors, the Ro Pagoda Ox Racing Festival offered more than the thrill of the races. It also provided a vivid glimpse into local Khmer culture, while giving photographers and content creators countless moments to capture.
