shari - 4-30-2012 at 09:08 AM
My favorite sporting event in baja are the horse races. They are a family affair and much much more than just races. The vaqueros from neighbouring
ranches get all dressed up in their best duds, load up the horses in the back of pick ups to spend the afternoon at the "taste" the track. There are
beer tents, food sold and even a live band...families and friends visit and share stories...novios flirt.
While the families are readying their horses, the band will play for whomever wishes to "cooperate" or hand them some pesos and cerveza. This band
called "The over 70's" is from Guerrero Negro...as is one of the fancy horses racing called El Moro. Here is Juan & Surfdoc listening to their
ranchero tunes.
here is a local horse dancing to the band...very cool
This particular race was to see how El Moro performs as he will be racing against a horse from Asuncion in the fiestas in mid august. He raced against
a gorgeous horse called El Durazno from Vizcaino...here he comes to show off before the race. He was a bit skittish and reared up.
El Moro was much bigger and heavier, so Durazno was the favorite.
and they're OFF.....it's Durazno who wins by a length. But the skuttlebutt is that El Morro could win the next race that is longer as he quickly
caught up to Durazno but didnt have time to pass him.
the happy jockey
the happy owner
ranch kids posing on the winner
getting ready to go back to Vizcaino
after all the horses are loaded...the spectators continue to get loaded..the band plays on, more horses dance till the sun sets in the west.
Here is a photo album of the race day with more pics if you are interested...thanks for coming along to the races!
http://s385.photobucket.com/albums/oo295/blowhole1/april%202...
[Edited on 4-30-2012 by shari]
[Edited on 4-30-2012 by shari]
Bajaboy - 4-30-2012 at 10:09 AM
love the races....
fishingmako - 4-30-2012 at 11:34 AM
Wow!
Shari, those were absolutely fantastic pictures what a celebration, I would love to go to one of those Fiestas...Races....etc.
Thank you for sharing
shari - 4-30-2012 at 11:56 AM
thanks fishinmako...all the traditional fiestas in baja feature horse races like these...but the smaller the village, the nicer they are. So try to
find out next time you are down where the fiestas are and you can attend one...or just come down here the few days around aug.15th and enjoy the
show!!! dont forget your ostrich skin boots n belt!
Udo - 4-30-2012 at 04:00 PM
Can't wait 'til we move to BA.
Horse races sure are much more fun than abalone races
Feathers - 4-30-2012 at 04:48 PM
Awesome, Shari... your pictures are the next best thing to being there!!!
Here's a photo-finish I took from the last Race in Abreojos. I LOVE horse racing, too!
[Edited on 4-30-2012 by Feathers]
[Edited on 4-30-2012 by Feathers]
[Edited on 4-30-2012 by Feathers]
Iflyfish - 5-1-2012 at 06:59 AM
What a blast!! Thanks for this great series!
Iflyfish
boe4fun - 5-1-2012 at 08:16 AM
The guy standing next to the jockey could pass for Obama's twin!!!