Manny Franco's Exceptional Saratoga Summer Reign
This summer, jockey Manny Franco has been a dominant force at Saratoga, showcasing unparalleled skill and strategic prowess on the racetrack. His exceptional performance culminated in a thrilling Grade 1 victory in the prestigious Alabama Stakes aboard My Gun's Loaded. Franco's remarkable consistency and confidence have distinguished him among his peers, solidifying his status as one of the nation's top riders. His season has been marked by a series of significant achievements, including tying an all-time record for wins in a single day at Saratoga and earning the coveted Jockey of the Week award. These accomplishments highlight a pivotal moment in his career, demonstrating a seasoned professional at the peak of his abilities.
Franco's Brilliant Summer Campaign at Saratoga
In a season ablaze with his talent, Manny Franco continued his impressive streak on Saturday, August 23, 2026, at Saratoga Race Course, guiding 'My Gun's Loaded' to a hard-fought victory in the Grade 1, $600,000 Alabama Stakes. This win underscored a summer campaign where Franco's riding has been nothing short of masterclass. He expertly maneuvered the lightly raced filly, trained by Chad Brown, to triumph over the heavily favored 'Counting Stars', patiently trailing before unleashing a decisive move in the stretch. Franco then fended off a late surge from 'Measure' along the rail, demonstrating both his tactical acumen and his mount's resilience.
Reflecting on the race, Franco noted, "Once she took the lead past Counting Stars, she momentarily hesitated, anticipating other contenders. But I was confident in our position. When she sensed Measure's presence inside, she found another gear, confirming our victory." This Grade 1 triumph marked My Gun's Loaded's stakes debut, following maiden and allowance victories in June and July respectively, all under Franco's consistent guidance.
The Alabama victory was one of two wins for the 31-year-old Puerto Rican jockey that day, bringing his total to 50 wins within the first 34 days of the Saratoga meet. Trailing only Jose Ortiz, Franco's daily performances have been exceptional amidst the highly competitive jockey colony. Although a veteran, this summer at Saratoga feels distinctly different for Franco, with his decision-making and confidence consistently strong, yielding undeniable results.
His impressive ride in the historic Alabama Stakes came just a week after he was honored as the national Jockey of the Week. On Friday, August 14, Franco further amplified his stellar week with an astonishing six wins, including five consecutive victories from races two through six. He then tied Saratoga's all-time record for wins on a single card by piloting 'Bottas' to victory in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame Stakes (G2) in race nine.
The following day, Franco showcased supreme confidence and patience, launching from last place to first in the stretch aboard the elite turf mare 'Survie' in the Sword Dancer Stakes (G1). Her victory over male competitors was her first Grade 1 win, contributing to Franco's remarkable 12-win week.
Introduced to racing by his father, Franco is a distinguished alumnus of Puerto Rico's renowned Escuela Vocacional Hipica Agustin Mercado Reveron jockey school. Starting his professional career as a teenager in 2013, he has steadily climbed the ranks to become one of the top riders in the United States. By 2018, he led all riders in victories at NYRA racetracks for the entire year, securing 252 wins and earning over $17 million in purses. That fall, he also celebrated his 1,000th career victory at Belmont Park.
Franco was the year-end leading rider in wins at NYRA for the fourth time in 2025 and is currently on track to surpass his personal bests this year. As of Saturday's races, Franco ranks fourth nationally with 202 wins this year and fifth in earnings with over $16 million. Throughout his career, he has achieved 2,667 wins and accumulated nearly $194 million in earnings.
The most celebrated horse Franco has ridden to victory is 'Tiz the Law'. He was aboard the talented New York-bred for all eight of his career graded stakes races, together winning five, including the Grade 1 Champagne, Florida Derby, Belmont Stakes, and Travers. They also secured a second-place finish in the 2020 Kentucky Derby.
Having won back-to-back Grade 1 features at Saratoga, Manny Franco is undeniably the hottest rider in the nation. Equally skilled on both dirt and turf, his current form suggests many more significant victories are on the horizon as the crucial fall races and the Breeders' Cup approach.
Manny Franco's exceptional performance this summer serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication and skill required to excel in horse racing. His unwavering confidence and precise decision-making inspire both aspiring jockeys and seasoned professionals. It highlights the dynamic interplay between rider and horse, where mutual trust and understanding can lead to extraordinary achievements. Franco's story is a testament to persistent effort and the relentless pursuit of excellence, showcasing how a rider can consistently elevate their game even against the most formidable competition. His triumphs offer a compelling narrative of athletic prowess and strategic brilliance, reinforcing the timeless appeal of the sport.