Donkey Derby at Myopia

The Donkey Derby at Myopia Hunt Club in Hamilton is a fun way to raise funds for the Equine Rescue Network. The mission of the event is to ENJOY the day and raise awareness of donkeys, mules and other barnyard animals. Donkeys make great pets! They are affectionate, agile & athletic. There is no definition of a “DONKEY DERBY” because we made it up. Yes, there will be donkeys racing around, and perhaps a few mules, horses, goats or cows. There will be lots of people too – animals in costumes, food trucks and perhaps beer.

What is a Donkey Derby?

There is no definition of a “DONKEY DERBY” because we made it up.  Yes, there will be donkeys racing around, and perhaps a few mules, horses, goats or cows.  There will be lots of people too – animals in costumes, food trucks and perhaps beer.  

SPECTATORS WELCOME - You may purchase General Admission or VIP Tickets. VIP tickets include seating under the Myopia Polo tent, and spirits (beer/wine/mint julep). Derby Attire encouraged for VIP seating. Be advised - VIP Seating is limited.

Runners choose between a 1.5 mile, 3 mile and 12 mile course. You may run or walk the course, but you may not ride the course.

The races will be as follows:

• Barnyard Race
• Mule Race
• Pack Burro Race
• Modified Pack Burro Race
• Donkey Dash (100yd Sprint)
• Plus a Tug of War!

The goal is to race donkeys across the beautiful country-side on trails provided by the Essex County Trail Association (ECTA).  However, the donkeys don’t really like that goal.  The donkeys feel it was a bit too ambitious to expect them to run, trot or race so they do what donkeys do, which is stop, stand, and be delightfully stubborn.  You can get them to move right along, if you speak-donkey.  It is a donkey-race, not a people race so the best runner can be easily beaten by the worst runner who can convince the donkey to move along.  Whippping or beating donkeys will result in immediate disqualification so to win, you must talk nice to your donkey.