An interesting ostrich race takes place on April 7, 2009 at Highgate Ostrich Show Farm in Western Cape, South Africa. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

You may have watched a horse race, either at the track or on TV, but have you ever seen live ostrich racing? I imagine most people would say they hadn't.

Here in Highgate Ostrich Show Farm in the Western Cape of South Africa, the world's first, finest and most original ostrich show farm, an interesting ostrich race was underway on April 7 before Chinese visitors even realized what it was!

As soon as the three highly-skilled jockeys rode in on ostriches, the huge birds kicked away in a flash. There was great excitement amongst the spectators and many clamored to place bets on who would be the winner. Since ostriches can reach speeds of between 60 and 70 kilometers per hour, some of the spectators couldn't help worrying about the rider's safety. Highgate Ostrich Show Farm handler, Ben van der Merwe, explained that the professionals are always in full control of the bird and ensure the safety of the tourists who are brave enough to have a try themselves.

"Like a neck, if you pull it back, it stops. They can run very fast, but when our guests ride, we keep them in a small area then the bird can't run so fast."

Ben van der Merwe, a guide with Highgate Ostrich Show Farm, pulls the ostrich's neck to demonstrate how to control the largest living bird in the world on April 7, 2009. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]