All bets off at first Israel race

A coalition made up of Jewish religious leaders and animal rights protesters managed to disrupt the meeting, although the first race went ahead.

Gambling is generally prohibited in Israel, as Jewish religious law forbids most types of betting.

However, it is extremely popular among many Israelis.

Casino cruise ships operate regularly from the southern port of Eilat, allowing punters to avoid tough anti-gaming laws, and Israeli online casinos are very successful.

The Israeli government approved construction of the racetrack in the northern Gilboa region two years ago - and at the same time, proceedings were launched to legalise betting on horse races.

But hopes that racing punters would be allowed to place legal bets on opening day were dashed by protests by animal rights activists, who say horse-racing is inhumane and have promised to fight it in Israel's Supreme Court, and Jewish leaders, who say gambling is immoral.

The horse race itself was also disrupted by the animal rights protestors, who tried to run onto the track before being arrested by police.

Thousands of racing enthusiasts were finally able to watch the race.

The race track is not complete yet - just a collection of tents with a makeshift grandstand in the middle of a large field.