This year, for the first time ever, the Humboldt county Fair has had three weekends of horse racing. This was due to the closure of the golden gate fields racetrack in berkeley, and extra races mean extra chances to win.
Mona Daggett, is particular about her horses she bets on.
“I usually bet on gray horses, always, female jockeys and or the height of the hindquarters of the horse,” Daggett said. “Gray horses are rare. So I always like to do the gray horses. Female jockeys — I like to support the female entry into any industry. And then also the highest hindquarters as it tends to make the horses faster.”
David Clark had a strategy as well.
“I noticed as they’re coming out the gate here, some of the other riders were having difficulty controlling their horses,” Clark said. “And I feel like they’re going to be more focused on the other horse, whereas the ones that are looking straight forward or more focused on the race itself.
Cheka Bauldry had a fun approach to picking.
“I tend to pick horses based on the riders jockey color, their number and sometimes the horse’s name,” Bauldry said. “Sometimes I just like the feeling or the sound of the name.”
Bauldry has a new perspective on horse racing.
“I came last year and a couple of times a couple of years before that,” Bauldry said. “I come sometimes and I used to be too young, so I just watched. But now I’m old enough to bet. So now it’s fun.”
Clark was ready to put his strategy to the test.
“It’s actually been a few years since I’ve been here. I used to come a lot when I was younger and watch, but this will be the first year that I’m coming in, will be betting.
Daggett enjoyed the fair for several reasons.
“I come every year to the Humboldt County Fair, to the horse races specifically to see old classmates, watch the horse races. It’s really just a great way to get together with a lot of friends that I haven’t seen for a while.
Bauldry also had positive things to say.
“It’s really fun because the county doesn’t have a lot of big events that happen. It brings a lot of people together and it’s actually really beautiful to watch, to see the horses.
The Humboldt Marathon was run on the last day of the races and the purse was $50,000, which is the most it has ever been. A horse named Mucino — the fan favorite — from Southern California, won the marathon. Mucino is trained by Doug O’Neil, who has won two Kentucky Derbies.
