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Lavelle Ensor

1900 – 1947

American jockey

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About Lavelle Ensor

Lived 1900 – 1947 (aged 47). Lavelle Ensor was an American jockey.

Emory Lavelle "Buddy" Ensor (April 27, 1900 – November 13, 1947) was an American Thoroughbred horse racing Hall of Fame jockey.

Biography A native of Maryland, Lavelle Ensor got his first professional riding job in 1918 with future Hall of Fame trainer H. Guy Bedwell. A naturally gifted talent, in 1918 he won a number of important races including the Coaching Club American Oaks, Saratoga Special Stakes and the Potomac Handicap when it was held at Laurel Park Racecourse. Within two years he had twice won five races on a single day and in 1920 he led all American jockeys with a 31% winning percentage. Ensor competed in the Kentucky Derby only twice, his best result a third in 1932 with Liz Whitney's colt, Stepenfetchit.

Lavelle Ensor's career was plagued by alcohol abuse and his misconduct eventually led to his suspension by The Jockey Club. In the early 1930s he returned to racing for a few years then came back to the track again in 1942. He retired permanently in 1945 with a career 21.1 winning percentage and in 1962 he was inducted posthumously in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.

Lavelle Ensor was married to Daisy Bennett (1902–1976) and they made their home in Saratoga Springs, New York. They are buried together in Saratoga Springs's Greenridge Cemetery.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Also known as
Lavelle "Buddy" Ensor, Buddy Ensor

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Lavelle Ensor's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Lavelle Ensor?

American jockey

When was Lavelle Ensor born?

Lavelle Ensor was born on 27 April 1900 in Maryland.

When did Lavelle Ensor die?

Lavelle Ensor died on 13 November 1947 in New York (state), New York City.

What was Lavelle Ensor's occupation?

Lavelle Ensor was a jockey.

What nationality was Lavelle Ensor?

Lavelle Ensor was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Lavelle Ensor

· Wikidata: Q6502482

· DBpedia: Lavelle Ensor

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Lavelle Ensor. https://biography.guide/lavelle-ensor/

MLA: "Lavelle Ensor." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/lavelle-ensor/.

Chicago: "Lavelle Ensor." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/lavelle-ensor/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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