Cloned mules Idaho Gem and Idaho Star will race against each other, and some non-cloned mules in Nevada, and on the California mule racing circuit this summer. I never knew there was a mule racing circuit. Can anyone even get a mule to gallop on purpose?

Scientists are agog about this one, because the two clones were raised apart for the last two years. They're interested to see if the difference in upbringing will have an effect on their will to race, which is in question. Apparently, they are from champion stock, so my skepticism isn't so misplaced.

What does a mule race look like? Do they trot? Do they break into a canter, or do they actually gallop? Do they chase a bale of hay around a paddock, sort of like greyhounds chase a fake rabbit? And how would you try to explain to your family that you've decided on a career as a mule jockey? It almost sounds like a rodeo side show to me. "Most of the year, I farm potatoes, but for fun, I race mules." Hmm.