At Aqueduct Racecourse on Thursday, jockey Manny Franco had an outstanding day, winning six out of nine races, including three consecutive victories to close out the event. <\/p>\n
The 31-year-old rider from Carolina, Puerto Rico posted a record of 9 rides with 6 wins and 3 losses, raising his total to 25 wins in the winter championship season and securing first place in the current jockey standings. <\/p>\n
\u201cFirst and foremost, I want to thank God,\u201d Franco remarked. \u201cI also appreciate the trainers and horse owners who consistently trust me. I\u2019m committed to delivering results every time I\u2019m in the saddle. When I have a horse, I\u2019m going to get the job done\u2014that\u2019s my responsibility.\u201d<\/p>\n
Franco kicked off his winning streak in the first race aboard Sea Vista, a six-furlong maiden run trained by the two-time Eclipse Award winner Brad Cox, earning his first victory of the day. After a less successful second race, he quickly bounced back by guiding Cadena, trained by Fernando Abreu, to a win in the third race\u2019s six-furlong claiming event.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy agent, John Panagotto, is exceptional and does a fantastic job,\u201d Franco said. \u201cHe pushes me to be the best rider every day. I am grateful to have his support and thankful for this great opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n
Franco\u2019s next triumph came in Race 5 with Mattea, a New York-bred horse trained by Mark Hennig. The one-turn mile race saw Mattea pull ahead decisively for the win. In Race 7, Franco piloted Top Player to victory in a 6 \u00bd furlong claimer for trainer George Weaver.<\/p>\n
Heading into his fifth victory of the day, Franco rode Other People’s Money, trained by Rob Atlas, in Race 8. The front-running filly conquered nine furlongs on the state-bred track.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis filly won her last race with us, but today\u2019s race was different,\u201d Franco explained. \u201cLast time I was chasing the pace, but today she led and I let her run freely. She just kept pushing forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
The finale, Race 9, featured Hot Gossip, trained by Joe Sharp. The horse stumbled slightly but made a strong rally in the final stretch to win the seven-furlong maiden auction claiming race, securing Franco\u2019s sixth win of the day and completing a hat trick of consecutive wins.<\/p>\n
Racing will continue at Suidobashi on Friday with an eight-race schedule, with live updates beginning at 1:10 pm ET.<\/p>\n