After winning the 152nd running of the Belmont Stakes, Manuel Franco was voted the Jockeys’ Guild Foundation Detox Jockey of the Week for June 15th-June 21st. The award is voted on by a panel of experts for riding accomplishments by members of the Jockeys’ Guild, the organization which represents more than 950 riders in North America.
With the first leg of the Triple Crown held on Saturday June 20th at Belmont Park, the accomplished journeyman rider Manuel Franco piloted the popular and heavy favorite, Tiz the Law to an impressive victory in the Belmont Stakes (Gr.1). Completing the historic afternoon with two other runner-up finishes in the Wonder Again Stakes (Gr.3) aboard Highland Glory and again in the Longines Acorn Stakes (Gr.1) aboard Pleasant Orb.
In the one turn mile and an eighth Triple Crown Classic, breaking alertly from the gate the three-time stakes winner Tiz the Law was taken in hand and allowed to stay within easy striking distance of the lead. The talented three-year-old colt by Constitution improved his position while poised and ready to strike as he rounded the far turn. Assuming command under confident handling with 3/16ths left to the wire in “The Run for the Carnations,” Tiz the Law drew away from the field to win convincingly for trainer Barclay Tagg. The win gave Franco his first Classic victory aboard the first New York-bred to accomplish the feat since 1882.
Manuel Franco maintained a 52% in the money percentage while leading North America in total stakes earnings ($640,600) and total earnings for the week ($767,336).
Franco has won 71 of 361 starts this year with earnings of $4,744,133. He has won 1,359 of 9,447 lifetime career mounts with earnings exceeding $85 million.
Jockey of the Week is sponsored by Foundation Detox, removing the toxins that affect our equine athletes. For more information visit JockeyTalk360.com/FoundationDetox.
