Franco to begin new year on suspension

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Jockey Manny Franco, who will end 2023 as the leading jockey on the New York Racing Association circuit in wins, will begin 2024 on the sidelines, serving a three-day careless riding suspension handed him by the stewards.

Franco, who waived his right of appeal, will serve the days on Jan. 1, 4, and 5 for his ride on Rollin in Dough, who won the sixth race on Dec. 9 at Aqueduct. Rollin in Dough lugged in during the stretch run, causing Romero Maragh to steady slightly aboard The Mighty Don, who ultimately finished last.

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While there was a stewards’ inquiry into the race, there was no change made to the order of finish.

Franco entered Friday’s card with 230 wins on the NYRA circuit, 62 more than Irad Ortiz Jr., who will finish second. Ortiz did hold a $590,739 lead over Franco in purse money won for the year.

Franco was the leading rider on this circuit in wins in 2018 and 2019 and last year finished second behind Dylan Davis.

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