“Helped Me a Lot”: Jockey Pens Thankful Notes to Beloved Racehorses As 2023 Horse Racing Season Concludes

On the amazing tracks of the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), while there are still four exciting race days before we reach another high point in a year brimming with events worth cheering about, this final racing season of 2023 is quickly drawing to an end. With this exceptional season drawing to a close, the NYRA Press Office has contacted people in key positions on both sides of the track.

These conversations were a way to cap off the horse racing season by collecting the opinions of some of these major figures in turf circles and showing appreciation for their experiences over this exceptional year.

A Stellar presence in NYRA’s horse racing realm

At the forefront of the NYRA circuit stands jockey Manny Franco, a beacon of excellence who has clinched three meet titles this year and is on the brink of securing a fourth with a remarkable 11-win lead in the Aqueduct fall meet standings. His tally of 233 victories on the NYRA circuit has placed him comfortably ahead, with a substantial lead of 65 wins over his closest competitor, Irad Ortiz, Jr. As he eyes a potential third year-end title, Franco’s accomplishments speak volumes about his prowess in the racing arena.

Besides his impressive statistics, Franco’s greatness is also evident in the artistry of his victories. His ability to secure numerous wins in a single day, as seen in recent outstanding achievements such as securing 6 out of 7 mounts on January 6 and claiming five victories out of seven rides earlier today (March 10), is further supported by an impressive total of 28 stakes wins thus far this year. Seven of these victories were in graded races. Notable highlights among these seven include a Grade 2 win with jockey Irad Ortiz aboard Higher Truth at Belmont Park, another with Channel Maker in Bowling Green, and yet another with Evvie Jets in the Ballston Spa at Saratoga Race Course.

He expressed, “Channel Maker has been a big part of my career and gave me such nice wins in big stakes. I’m grateful to have had those opportunities. Evvie Jets, that filly, that was great that day. I was so happy to win a race for those guys. They’ve helped me a lot, and it makes me happy to win a big stakes for them.”.

Franco’s triumphs and insights

Quantity and quality have been distinguishing characteristics of Franco’s progress through the year. He has recorded an outstanding 28 stakes win, with seven Grade victories to his credit that included high-quality performances with such horses as Higher Truth and Channel Maker With his guidance of John Panagot, Franco’s earnings reached a career-high this year of over US $17.3 million.

Read More: “He Had the Class”: As Stallion Retires From Horse Racing Scene, Popular Trainer Releases Candid Confession

This shows just how good a year he had on the NYRA circuit. It represents an even split of talent, hard work and shrewd judicious cooperation that has brought him unprecedented success.

Watch this story: Stella McCartney Presents Heartfelt Tribute to her equestrian enthusiast family