This is the moment two modern-day chariot racers battle it out as they are on their horse-drawn carriages down a packed dual carriageway in Brazil.

Harness racing – or trotting – is one of the country’s favourite sports where horses have to race at a set pace.

But these riders in a Rio de Janeiro suburb shocked drivers as they raced each other through the city streets swarming with motorbikes and cars.

Footage recorded by passersby shows the lightweight carriages – or sulkies – surrounded by whooping bikers weaving around trying to get the best pictures.

At times the motorcyclists are just inches away from the horses and their fragile framework carriages.

And at one point cars have to swerve to avoid swarms of bikers apparently going the wrong way down the road.

City police for Duque de Caxias are now investigating the illegal 17th August race after it appeared on social media, reports local media.

The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro are cooperating with the Police Department for the Protection of the Environment upon investigating the incident.

Reynaldo Velloso – President of the Commission for the Protection and Defence of Animals – said this was a case of mistreatment of animals due to the high risk of injuries and accidents.

Velloso explained: “These animals are forced to participate in this race. The surface is unsuitable for this type of race. It’s a hard floor with no sand or grass.”

Some of the netizens were amazed by the footage.

‘Brener Paraguay’ said: “What a pleasure it must be to own such animals.”

‘Walbber Paiva’ commented: “These horses are very well taken care of to run like that, congratulations to the owners.”

‘Meadow T-shirt’ called the horses “gorgeous” while ‘Osias of Lima’ just said: “What a show!”