Cordero moving on with Franco; still considers Velazquez family

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Angel Cordero Jr. was reticent to discuss the details of what led to the breakup between him and longtime client John Velazquez, but said he holds no ill will toward the jockey, whom he still considers part of his family.

“He wants to try something new. I don’t blame him,” Cordero, the 77-year-old Hall of Fame jockey told Daily Racing Form. “He’s been good to me. He’s not only part of my family, he’s been my main source of [income]. I appreciate that. I have no regrets. I’m not mad. He’s entitled to switch. It’s like if your boss fires you, he’s entitled to fire you.”

Cordero has booked mounts for Velazquez for more than 25 years. Velazquez, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012, is the leading rider all time in purse money won with $416 million. Velazquez, 48, ranks 15th in wins with 6,176.

:: To stay up to date, follow us on: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Cordero will continue to book mounts for Manny Franco, who has developed into a rising star himself, leading the New York Racing Association circuit in wins the last two years. Cordero has worked for Franco the last few years.

After a slow start to the Aqueduct winter meet, Franco has now moved near the top of the standings. Franco has 53 wins, trailing Jose Lezcano and Eric Cancel by one. There are 12 scheduled cards remaining in the winter meet, which ends March 29.

Franco, 25, is the regular rider of Tiz the Law, a leading Kentucky Derby contender who is scheduled to make his next start in the Grade 1, $1 million Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park on March 28. Franco, who worked Tiz the Law on Monday morning at Palm Meadows, has won the Grade 1 Champagne and Grade 3 Holy Bull on Tiz the Law.

Last Saturday at Gulfstream, Franco rode longshot Candy Tycoon to a second-place finish in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth. He also won the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Mile on Mr Freeze.