More than 80 ferrets are set to slug it out in a fur-dinkum marathon obstacle at the weekend.
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Weaving and sprinting their way through metres of pipes, the little four-legged mammals have become the star attraction at the Kyneton Daffodil Arts Festival.
The annual race is the brainchild of Macedon Ranges local and race caller, Eric Scoble, who says ferret racing is "serious business".
He described the event as "a bit like harness racing" with each of the ferret handlers interviewed before the race and punters hedging their bets.
Mr Scoble said the idea came to him as a child when he watched ferrets run down stormwater drain pipes as they chased rabbits.
He was struck by the speed and grace of the mammals.
"People might know know this, but they've got stamina, some of them can race for up to five hours at a time," he said.
Mr Scoble should know. His champion ferret, Scobey, has won three sprint championships in the annual race.
"They're just the cutest little animal and if you treat ’em good they'll treat you just the same."
The annual ferret race will be held outside the Kyneton Mechanics Institute this Saturday from 10.30am.