Rockets on four legs: The elite lifestyle of Punjab’s racing livestock.

Ludhiana: Forget the farm; the bulls arriving for the Kila Raipur Rural Olympics this weekend live a life more akin to professional athletes than livestock.As the legendary bullock cart races return after a decade-long hiatus, owners are pulling back the curtain on the extraordinary regimes used to prepare their champions—some of which are valued at more than Rs 30 lakh.A Diet for ChampionsFor owners like Satnam Singh of Assi Kalan village, whose bulls "Rocket," "Bugla," and "Jaadu" are local celebrities, care is a 24-hour family commitment. Their daily menu reads like a high-end health retreat: Morning brews of fresh sugarcane and orange juices; besides banana shakes blended with almonds and ghee for protein, along with herbal decoctions (Methi Kadha) to maintain immunity and winter wellness. For energy boosters, the bulls get Dried grapes (Sogi), dry dates, and black chickpeas. "We treat our bulls better than family members," Satnam Singh said. "They go for 1- to 2-hour walks on soft roads twice a day to maintain physical fitness. There is no price tag on passion (Shauk)."The sport has evolved significantly during its decade-long absence. Modern racing carts have undergone a dramatic weight-reduction transformation to allow for higher speeds. Traditional carts were made of heavy wood, weighing 50-60 kg, while the modern carts are flexible, light iron, weighing just 20-25 kg. Jockeys explain that while agricultural bulls are bred for endurance at low speeds, these racing bulls are specifically trained for high-intensity, 20-second sprints, aided by the aerodynamic and lightweight equipment.Reclaiming the LegacyFor many, the return of the races is a multi-generational homecoming. "It's our third generation," says Sunny Majri from Majri village. "My grandfather and father both raced here. We have been preparing for this moment for a very long time."Owners are also using the spotlight to push back against animal rights activists. Ranjit Singh, a former champion from 2002, argues that "cruelty" is a misnomer for animals treated like children. "I have two full-time staff members just to monitor their health round-the-clock. How can you be cruel to something you love this much?"