Fair season underway at Humboldt, Iowa

As the fair season gets underway in Iowa, harness racing horses took to the track Saturday (6/1) at Humboldt, Iowa.

The eleventh race featured Free For All trotters, as four Iowa favorites competed against each other.  When the gate folded, the lone mare in the field, Lucy Jewel (James Gould) sprinted to the front.  Also making a move from the outside, Luka (Lukas Hall) and driver Adam Hauser) raced towards the lead, behind Lucy Jewel.

Still in full gear, Luka charged past Lucy Jewel taking over as the leaders passed the quarter-pole in 30.4.  Luka looked strong, trotting to the half in 101.2, with Lucy Jewel tucked the pocket.  But as they rounded the turn to the backside, Luka made an unfortunate break.  Taking full advantage, Lucy Jewel regained the lead while Luka got back on-stride in third.

Lucy Jewel hit the three-quarters in 1:33.2, leading the field to the top of the lane.  Luka still had more in the tank, hard charging around the final turn.  Catching up to Lucy Jewel, the two battled all the way to the wire.  With the crowd cheering them on, Luka put a nose in front, capturing the win.  With his victory trotted in 2:03.0, Luka scored his second win in a row for owner Jim Reese.

Iowa racing resumes next Saturday (6/18) at West Liberty, Iowa.  Post time is scheduled for 12:30 pm CST.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Tara Spach, for the Iowa Harness Horsemen’s Association