Tuesday, 29th April 2008 (830 views)

The winner of a donkey derby that commemorates the 1859 discovery of a 54-pound gold nugget in California has scooped a prize including $500 (£250) worth of gold coins, according to reports.

According to paradisepost.com, the derby involves a "drover" and donkey carrying a 54-pound sack across an obstacle course to mark the journey made by the man who discovered the nugget, Chauncey Wright, who rode it back to Magalia from where he found it at the bottom of the Feather River Canyon on a donkey.

The site says Steve Irvine and his "borrowed burro" named Baby won the derby and claimed the gold coins prize, along with a trophy.

It was the first time Mr Irvine had taken part in the event and according to the site, he intended to use the prize to "pay off bills".

Local veterinarian Art Coyler took the $300 second prize with his donkey Poppy, the site adds, while Anne Benoit was third with her donkey Rose.

Mr Coyler said he intends to donate his prize money to the Paradise Animal Shelter Helpers, a local charity.

Paradise is located in northern California, around 100 miles from Sarcramento and 169 miles from San Francisco.

 

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