Horseplayers got their money's worth from apprentice jockey Maclovio Enriquez Jr. in the third race at Mountaineer Park in West Virginia on Dec. 8.
Breaking from the No. 2 post aboard Baytown Valleygirl in the six-furlong allowance contest, Enriquez lost his irons when his mount appeared to hit the side of the gate while hopping in the air at the start.
The 11-10 second choice in the field of five, Baytown Valleygirl gradually moved to the lead in the run down the backstretch, with track announcer Peter Berry worrying that Enriquez might not have full control of his mount going into the far turn.
But Enriquez not only kept his balance without use of the irons, he kept Baytown Valleygirl in contention for the win down to the final sixteenth of a mile, switching his riding crop from left to right hand and persevering to the wire despite his predicament.
In the end, Baytown Valleygirl wound up fourth, beaten a neck for third, drawing praise from track announcer Berry.
Enriquez had already impressed horseplayers, winning 10 races in his first 73 starts. After finishing off the board with his first two mounts, Enriquez scored two victories from three chances on Nov. 7. He scored another riding double Nov. 16 and again on Dec. 7, the night before his wild ride.
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