New York stewards suspend Franco, Lanerie

ELMONT, N.Y. – Jockeys Manny Franco and Corey Lanerie were each issued a suspension by the New York stewards.

Franco was suspended 10 calendar days for his ride on Deft in Saturday’s first race at Belmont Park. In the stretch, Franco took Deft from off the rail and cut in front of Highway Flyer, causing that horse to bobble and unseat Luis Saez.

Deft was disqualified from third and ordered unplaced.

Franco’s suspension was reduced to seven days for waiving his right of appeal. He will serve the days starting Saturday and be eligible to ride June 29.

Lanerie was suspended for his ride on Hog Creek Hustle, who won the Grade 1 Woody Stephens on June 8. Though the stewards did not disqualify Hog Creek Hustle from first for bothering Mind Control in upper stretch, they cited Lanerie “for interference in the vicinity of the three-sixteenths pole.”

The suspension is for three NYRA racing days – June 30, July 3, and 4 – and does not figure to impact Lanerie’s business as he rides at Churchill Downs. That track’s meet ends June 29.