Franklin applies for riding license

Ronnie Franklin, who in 1979 rode Spectacular Bid to victory in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, was scheduled to appear before the Maryland Racing Commission on Tuesday to ask for a jockey's license, ostensibly so he can begin riding in Louisiana.

Franklin, 47, has not ridden in Maryland since 1992, when he suffered one of numerous relapses with substance abuse. Franklin's attorney, Jose Molina, told the Baltimore Sun last week Franklin has "done just about everything they've asked him to do in terms of establishing a level of sobriety."

Molina said Franklin does not intend to ride in Maryland, but he must first be approved by the state's racing commission, since it revoked his license 15 years ago.