Covered in mud while roaring for victory, farmers raced their water buffaloes towards the finish line during yesterday’s annual buffalo race festival in Chonburi, Thailand. /VCG Photo

Farmers rode on the back of wooden ploughs tied to pairs of racing buffaloes. As the buffaloes thundered down the flooded paddy field, racers had to balance themselves without falling into the mud and losing the contest. /VCG Photo

Water buffaloes are important companions to Thai farmers, ploughing paddy fields and serving as a means of transportation. /VCG Photo

The annual festival takes place at the end of the Rains Retreat and has a history dating back 136 years. /VCG Photo