Palestinian horse race returns after wartime halt

A Palestinian horse race returned to the village of Al-Majd, west of Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, after being suspended for two years in the wake of the Gaza war.

Riders raced Arabian horses along a dirt track as residents watched from the course and rooftops. The competition ended with celebrations for the winning jockey.

Event coordinator Ismael Abu Awad said limited financial and logistical resources constrained the organisers. He said the race was aimed at preserving Arab heritage and gave local jockeys a chance to show their skills when some horses and riders face difficulties travelling to Jordan or other countries.

Arabian horses hold a place in Palestinian culture, and horse races and equestrian beauty championships are held across the West Bank, drawing competitors from different towns and villages. Open land has become increasingly scarce amid expanding Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank, occupied since 1967.

Racer Mohammed Al-Ajlouni said he hoped one day to travel to Italy to ride horses.