An Affinity Race Promoters of gymkhanas find the affinity race a very popular event . Ladies on horseback ride over the course , each holding the hand of gentlemen who must be mounted on a donkey . The race is won by the lady who manages to get her partner past the winning post first without leaving go his hand on the way . Spectators derive great fun from the struggles of the riders of the donkeys to keep in their saddles and retain the hands of their fair partners - a pleasurable feat for both participants over what seems a very long course . 1897