Where pigs fly? Animals compete in race at fair

Published: 23:04, 3 August 2026 | Updated: 23:23, 3 August 2026 The adage ‘when pigs fly’ is meant to describe the impossible - but the speedy swine competing in a race at a California county fair appeared to make the old saying a reality. The All-Alaskan Racing Pigs, a popular attraction at the Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa, turned the phrase on its head as they were photographed mid-leap during the event’s annual race on August 1. Wearing brightly coloured numbered vests, the pigs were captured sprinting down the track and soaring over hurdles as delighted onlookers watched them battle for first place. The competing All-Alaskan Racing Pigs are a rare, heritage breed and include Gloucestershire Old Spots pigs - native to the English county. They are specifically bred to compete in the entertainment sport, which usually sees young pigs spring around enclosed tracks and does not typically involve betting due to its family-friendly nature.  The race, which is free of charge for the event's ticket holders, is one of many livestock competitions the 23-day-long Orange County Fair has on offer. Alongside the pig races, the agricultural fair also features dairy goats competing in obstacle courses, sheep exhibitors displaying their animals, and a petting zoo where children can pet and feed farmyard favourites including goats, sheep and pigs. The Orange County Fair - which attracts over one million visitors annually - was established in 1890 in Santa Ana as a three-day agricultural and livestock exhibition. Today, the fair has grown into a major annual attraction after settling at its permanent home in Costa Mesa, and covers a whopping 150 acres. The All-Alaskan Racing Pigs at the Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa were snapped mid-leap during their annual race  The pigs were captured sprinting down the track and soaring over hurdles as delighted onlookers watched them battle for first place All-Alaskan Racing Pigs are a rare, heritage breed Pig-racing is one of many livestock competitions the 23-day-long Orange County Fair has on offer All-Alaskan Racing Pigs are bred to compete in the entertainment sport, which usually sees young swines spring around enclosed tracks