Fair has post time to itself

This year's 10-day run shapes up as exciting, profitable.

Published online on Tuesday, Oct. 06, 2009

Big Fresno Fair horse racing will be off and running today as a host track for the first time in history.

That might mean diddly to the average Joe, but in these tough economic times it could be the financial boost the meet needs to put up respectable wagering numbers.

As host, Fresno will be the only Northern California track running. In past years, it had to share revenue with Golden Gate Fields and Bay Meadows. But Bay Meadows closed last year after 73 years of racing, and GGF started a two-week break after Sunday's races.

"We're expecting a record year at Fresno," said Larry Swartzlander, director of operations for the California Authority of Racing Fairs. "There won't be an overlap of tracks this year. With two or three running, the fair tracks usually made the lesser of the amounts."

Fresno racing director Dan White said he anticipates a successful meet. He and his staff have spent the past seven weeks preparing for the 10-day run, the eighth and final leg on the California fair circuit.

White couldn't say what kind of financial bump his meet might receive. "It's based on percentages," he explained, "and it varies according to contracts."

Last year, the combined on-track and satellite betting figure of $10,080,859 was up 1.5% over 2007, but the $2,859,056 wagered on Fresno races was down 10%.

Yearly wagering at the fair had steadily increased until last year's downturn in the stock and housing markets.

"I'm very optimistic this year," White said. "We plan on beating last year's numbers. Even though belts are tight, I think fans will loosen them up."

There will be no racing Tuesday and next Wednesday, but the fair's satellite facility will be open for wagering next Wednesday.

Post time today is 1:15 p.m. with a card of 10 races. The backside barns, White said, are stocked with about 700 thoroughbreds, Arabians, quarter horses and mules. He estimated daily races should average 81/2 mounts, with more on the weekends.

The fair again will hold seven feature races, highlighted by two $50,000 invitationals -- the Harvest on Oct. 16 and the Bulldog on the final day, Oct. 18.

There's a chance, White said, that veteran jockey Russell Baze, who has won more than 25 riding titles in California, could be in the fields for the high-stakes races the last two days.

Ricky Frazier, the leading thoroughbred rider the past two years, will return in an attempt for a three-peat. Last year he tied with Jorge Ayarza. Also, Kayla Stra, a championship Australian rider, will make her first appearance here.

Fans can expect to see a new mixed-breed jockey champion. Popular favorite Danny Boag, the 2008 champion, retired after winning the final race in his 21-year career in last year's Fresno meet.