Some days unfold beyond your expectations and put you in the record books. Manny Franco started the year off at Aqueduct with six wins from seven mounts on Friday tying a NYRA record, and he continued his winning ways by adding a stakes race on Saturday.
Franco was voted Jockey of the Week for Jan. 2 through Jan. 8 by the panel of racing experts. The award honors jockeys for riding accomplishments and who are members of the Jockeys' Guild, the organization which represents more than 1050 active, retired and permanently disabled jockeys in the United States.
Franco started Friday's record-tying day by taking Race 1, a six furlong maiden special weight for newly minted 3-year-olds aboard Uncorrelated for trainer Chad Brown.
The Carolina, Puerto Rico native won Races 4-6 beginning with Quick Chaos for conditioner Jorge Abreu in a maiden special weight for New York-bred 3-year-olds going one mile. He then rode Vallarand to a 3 1/4-length win in a $25,000 claiming race for trainer Rob Atras. Franco completed the Pick-3 with Baron's Legacy winning a state-bred maiden claiming event at 6 1/2 furlongs for trainer Horacio De Paz.
Win number five was aboard the filly Kant Hurry Love for trainer Christophe Clement against New York-bred winners in Race 8. Franco completed the late double in a one-mile optional claiming race with Bourbon Calling for trainer Antonio Arriaga.
“Unbelievable day,” said Franco. “I'm just grateful to have a day like this. We started the year off on the right foot and hopefully we can keep it going. I didn't have all favorites, but every day I come in feeling positive and I just want to do well. Today, I really felt like I could have a big day and I was excited about it. The horses were running for me.”
Franco joined a legendary group of riders who posted six-win days at Aqueduct including Hall of Famers Ron Turcotte, Angel Cordero, Jr., Steve Cauthen, Mike Smith and Javier Castellano.
“I am so proud to be on that list,” said Franco. “When I graduated from school, I wanted to do something so everyone can remember who I was when I was riding. It's a dream come true.”
Red-hot Franco was not done as he posted four wins on Saturday including the Queens County aboard Law Professor for trainer Rob Atras. To end the week, Franco added two wins on Sunday to lead all riders by wins for the week with 12 and by total purses with $512,095.
“I can't believe it,” said Franco. “I'm just grateful to be a part of these winning horses. Thank you to my agent (John Panagot). He's been doing a great job and he's a part of it.”
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