Horse Racing

KINGMAN - A perfect Mother's Day gift this weekend may be a winning ticket at Hualapai Downs.

The 43rd year of horse racing will be held at the county fairgrounds in Kingman for the only weekend of 2009. In the past, the county held horse racing event two weekends each year. Because of the economy, the fair association decided to hold one weekend of racing instead of canceling the racing season, Mohave County Fair Association Board of Directors Chairman Ray Lyons said.

Racing begins at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the fairgrounds. The gates open for the public at 11 a.m. each day. Admission is $4 for people 12 years old or older, $3 for children 7 to 11 and free for children under 6 years old. Parking is $1.

There will be eight races each day and pari-mutuel betting starts about 20 minutes before the first race. Wagering includes daily doubles, usually the first two races of the day, quinellas and trifectas. Betting is restricted to adults 21 years or older. About 800 to 900 race fans attend the races each year.

The races are split with 60 percent of the races include quarter horses and 40 percent of the races include thoroughbreds.

Thoroughbreds run longer races, from four furlongs to 11/8 mile. Each furlong is 1/8 mile. Quarter horses generally run shorter races of 250 to 500 yards. Most of the horses and jockeys come from the local circuit throughout the state with horses also coming from California, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah.