Franco capture Aqueduct Racetrack winter meet title
At 0h03, on March 28, 2023 • By AQUEDUCT
Jockey Manny Franco captured his fourth winter meet riding title at Aqueduct Racetrack, posting 63 wins at the meet that ran from January 1 to March 26. Linda Rice paced all trainers with 37 wins, while Windylea Farm secured their first NYRA-circuit owners title with 12 wins.
Franco, who rode a pair of winners on Sunday’s Closing Day card, finished three wins ahead of runner-up Dylan Davis and 20 wins clear of third-place Jose Lezcano.
“It means a lot to me. This is what we’re here for,” said Franco, who is represented by agent John Panagot. “I want to be one of the top riders here on the New York circuit, and I work hard to make it happen. I want to thank all the trainers and owners that support me during the year. I’m happy to be back on top again.”
The 28-year-old native of Carolina, Puerto Rico, who equaled a NYRA record by winning with 6-of-7 mounts on January 6 here, completed the meet with a record of 246-63-42-32 for total purse earnings of $3,297,246.
Live racing continues Thursday at the Big A, Opening Day of the 19-day spring meet that runs through April 30. First post for Thursday’s eight-race card is 1:20 p.m.
