The first bull race of the 2026 season began on Friday in the villages of Panamadangi, Sivanathapuram, and Gudalavaripalli in Vellore. Each village had at least 150 bulls participating. These villages fall under the K.V. Kuppam, Anaicut, and Gudiyatham taluks of Vellore district. Around 80 percent of bull races are held in these areas due to many farming villages where traditional farming still exists. G. Anduvan, Assistant Director, Department of Animal Husbandry, said, "Two veterinary teams have been deployed in each bull race village to ensure the safety of animals. Police and firefighters were also roped in to prevent any untoward incidents." Vellore Collector V.R. Subbulaxmi issued strict guidelines for the events. About 80 villages in Vellore will hold bull races until February and March ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. On average, races will take place in three villages daily, except Sundays to avoid large crowds. The bull race track is 100 meters long and 15 meters wide. Bulls run on a mud track and the fastest to finish wins. Bull owner S. Vemban said, "Currently, bull owners in Vellore have animals that cover the distance in seven seconds." Veterinarians said bulls must be at least two years old to race. The runway is lined with six-foot-high wooden barricades and levelled with red sand about one foot deep. Open farm wells within a 5 km radius of the race spot are covered for safety. Ambulances are ready to take injured bulls to nearby veterinary hospitals. In the coming days, 40 villages in Tirupattur and two in Ranipet will hold bull races. Officials confirmed that Tiruvannamalai district does not follow the bull racing tradition.