The finishing gates were specifically chosen for space -- space for the welcoming crowds, space so the shangpari can be led off and tended, space for the riders to receive food and all their relations’ smothering attention. Dirty, footsore, triumphant -- the winners are led to the podium constructed for this occasion, where they’re given seats and the best food and drink available until the rest of the riders arrive.

Already, some of the bettors are exchanging money with varying degrees of glee, resignation or even devastation -- for those who literally bet the house. The stalls here run more along the lines of gimmicks and souvenirs than food, though there are a few snacks available -- small fishballs, tiny dumplings, bags of roasted nuts. The good food is reserved for the exhausted riders and for the feast slated to begin just as soon as the last rider has arrived and the winners have been awarded.

Once the final riders are in the shangpari are led away for slaughter and the riders return to their chariots to be pulled through the city by cheering fans -- in order of their winning, of course. The awards take place in the Courtyard of Public Opinion, where the winner receives their prize from the hands of their sponsor.