I can confirm chaps 'turkey racing' is very much a traditional sport here in Britian.
I've just come back from Somerset where i've enjoyed the annual 'Devon and Somerset' country show (A fantastic excuse for a sneaky pint or two). It's basically the south of Englands largest agriculture, beer/wine/homebrew and poultry show which one of the largest events spans over two days and is indeed turkey racing. The second day consists of all the finalists of the two races, 50 meter sprint and a 2 mile 'endurance' race. From these both 'owner' and turkey are crowned the south of Englands champion and can then go forth to compete in the national championships which of course, have Royalty in attendance.
The British National Turkey Championship (BNTC, prince Harry is the chairman) is the County champions from all over the country and even turkeys from Regiments/corps of the armed forces have entries and can be spotted by their distinctive regimental 'jackets' sporting their regiments colours. Naturally these armed forces turkeys excell in the endurance events especially those from the Parachute regiment and Royal Marines.
The 'Royal Turkeys' are elites in every class both as show birds and participants and can be seen in Hyde park and Windsor great park training all year round in any elements. They are located in the grounds of Windsor castle and the grounds of Buckingham palace and have a constant year round guard duty for protection provided by the guards regiments (they rotate the duty between the regiments yearly, colstream, scots etc). Like the royal horses they have a team of up to 200 men and women caring, training and catering for these fine birds in both establishments. The also have a ceremonial duty in the summer at the Tower of London and can be seen standing guard with the 'Beefeaters' at the tower, this in itself show the level of training they have to endure.
Best regards,
James.