This story appeared on the McKathan Brothers Training Center Facebook page today. It is a testament to experience and courage under extreme stress.
A five furlong turf race, just over a half mile, can seem like a ten furlong route race when you are trailing a field of seven $10,000 claimers. Jockey Marcos Meneses stepped on the throttle heading into the far turn when his reins broke, first one, then the other.
A five furlong turf race, just over a half mile, can seem like a ten furlong route race when you are trailing a field of seven $10,000 claimers. Jockey Marcos Meneses stepped on the throttle heading into the far turn when his reins broke, first one, then the other.
Marcos Meneses, broken reins in hand and four-year-old Chia Ghost
Chia Ghost drifted outside leaving the turn heading into the stretch. Meneses remained calm, grabbing Chia Ghost's mane and the neck strap of his bridle, riding him to the wire and victory.
After his second straight victory, Chia Ghost, trained by Bernardo Lopez, galloped out on the outside rail and was picked up by outrider Paul Haffner on the backstretch. Haffner escorted Meneses and Chia Ghost to the winner's circle.
In the victory circle I'm sure there were lots of smiles, and no doubt heavy sighs of relief, and for jockey Marcos Meneses, a hurried trip to the restroom.
I love this story and hope you enjoyed it as well.
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