In a remarkable turn of events at Aqueduct on Thursday, Romero Maragh demonstrated exceptional riding skills as Mama's Gold overcame an unexpected obstacle. The horse, in the final yards of a 1 1/8-mile allowance-optional claiming race, had to jump over a puddle of urine. Despite this unusual challenge, Maragh not only managed to stay on the horse but guided it to victory.

A Rider's Resilience in the Face of Unforeseen Obstacles

Section 1: The Race and the Unusual Incident

According to the Equibase chart for the race, which took place on Thursday's eighth at the New York track, Mama's Gold was in full stride when it encountered the puddle. The horse was being urged to keep going "before jumping a puddle of urine 70 yards from the finish." Maragh showed remarkable composure as he slipped to the outside upon landing but maintained his balance and continued the race. Mama's Gold, the 3-1 second choice among the seven runners, crossed the wire four lengths ahead of second-place Magical Ways. This victory was a testament to both the horse's stamina and Maragh's skill.

Section 2: The Horse's Background and Previous Races

Mama's Gold is a 4-year-old colt by Bolt d'Oro out of the Speightstown mare In Spite of Mama. Under the guidance of trainer James Ferraro, the horse typically leads from the start. In its previous start on October 27, Mama's Gold won the Empire Classic at Aqueduct, covering the 1 1/8-mile distance in gate-to-wire fashion. Maragh was in the irons that day as well, and the horse was the 40-1 longest shot on the board. This previous success set the stage for the remarkable win on Thursday.

Section 3: The Impact of the Puddle and the Rider's Response

The puddle was located in an area directly behind where the starting gate had been for the beginning of the race. Despite the acrobatics required to clear the obstacle, Mama's Gold showed its determination and powered through. Maragh's ability to stay on the horse during this challenging moment was crucial. According to Daily Racing Form, Mama's Gold earned a 103 Beyer Speed Figure for the win, highlighting its performance in the face of adversity. This victory will likely be remembered as a remarkable chapter in the history of Aqueduct racing.