Jockeys got muddy and roared for victory competing in the annual buffalo race festival in Thailand's Chonburi Province on Tuesday. /Reuters Photo

Both locals and tourists flocked to the races around the dirt track to cheer for the competitors, who had to steer the bolted buffaloes while trying to balance themselves. /Reuters Photo

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

Farmers hold the muddy races annually to mark the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the rice harvest, in a tradition that dates back more than 140 years. /Reuters Photo