There was a famous horse race here in Southern California more than a hundred-fifty years ago. The horses didn't run on a track, but on a dirt road that later became known as Alamitos Avenue in Long Beach. The race became something of a local legend.

We don't know all the details, but it happened sometime in the 1840s, when southern California was still part of Mexico. There were two magnificent horses, owned by Abel Stearns and John Temple, the patrons of two neighboring ranchos: Los Alamitos and Los Cerritos.

Theresa Barbee, docent coordinator at present day Rancho Los Alamitos, says, "Alamitos Avenue was the dividing line between the two ranchos."

She says those two horses ran down Alamitos to Signal Hill and back again. There was more than pride at stake. The wager was 1,000 head of cattle. Singer/songwriter Ken Graydon describes the contest:

"With a loud cry of 'vaya' they started. Like shadows, they sped on their way. The dust from their hooves marked their passage toward the pool on the sands of the bay. Becerrero, he dances like lightning. Becerrero, he flies like the clouds. Becerrero, the bay horse of Juan Temple. Becerrero, the champion so proud."

Becerrero's name means "one who tends the young cattle," so it's likely he was a working horse, not just a fancy racing pony. We don't know the name of Abel Stearn's horse. But we do know who won the race, thanks to Ken Graydon's song.

"In a moment, I saw them returning. My heart seemed to swell like the sun. For in the lead was Becerrero, the bay horse of Juan Temple had won. There followed a grand celebration, with an ox roasted all the next day. Juan Temple invited both ranchos, so great was his pride in the bay. Becerrero, he dances like lightning. Becerrero, he flies like the clouds. Becerrero, the bay horse of Juan Temple. Becerrero, the champion so proud."

It's not likely you'll see many horses racing on Alamitos Avenue these days... though the quarter horses still run at Los Alamitos Racetrack.

(Airdate: 5/17/2008)