Engram repeats in Humboldt County Marathon

The longest shot on the board when he won the 2018 C.J. Hindley Humboldt County Marathon, Engram scored a repeat as the odds-on favorite in the 2019 edition in the final race of the Humboldt County Fair meet in Ferndale on Sunday.

Owned by Kathleen Dennick and trainer Quentin Miller, Engram, a 6-year-old Street Hero gelding, has only a maiden victory to go with his two Marathon wins in a 31-race career.

Though last during the opening half mile of the 1 5/8-mile race, Engram sat in a stalking spot in the field of four. A fifth runner, Dizzy Dancer, was declared a non-starter when he was held by an assistant starter as the gate opened, and a sixth, Seau, was still standing behind the gate when the field was sent on its way.

Second choice Mr. Q cruised to the early lead and was in front after one mile, but Engram, ridden by Jose Dominguez, took command on the final lap and had a four-length lead in the stretch before holding off a resurgent Mr. Q by 1 3/4 lengths. Mad Luther was third, another 2 1/4 lengths back, with Domenico fourth.

Engram's winning time was 2:47.09, more than five seconds faster than last year's 2:52.43 clocking. He paid $3.60.

Engram earned $12,000 from the $19,600 purse and has now earned $67,550.

Trainer Quinn Howey and jockey Hugo Herrera each won his won his sixth Ferndale meet title in seven years.