Jockeys’ Guild | Support, Benefits & Services

Jockeys’ Guild Education Foundation Introduces Academic Success Program, Begins Accepting Applications and Receives Non-Profit Status

Lexington, KY, September 9, 2026–

Since the Jockeys’ Guild Education Foundation (JGEF) launch in April, Executive Director, Ramon Dominguez has visited the jocks’ quarters at Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Laurel Park, Charles Town, Delaware Park, Finger Lakes Racetrack and Saratoga Race Course to talk about the program and conduct a survey of all the Guild

members to better understand jockeys’ educational background and career interests. The survey, completed by 267 individuals, indicated a high level of interest in continuing education, with a broad spectrum of fields, ranging from GED programs, equine related education to trade certifications.

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LEXINGTON, KY (September 10, 2026) Manny Franco has won 18 leading rider titles at two NYRA tracks, Aqueduct and Belmont Park but the one he coveted the most has been elusive. Until now. Franco clinched the leading rider title at Saratoga on Sunday for the first time in his career with a win in the Prioress Stakes (G3). Then, to put an exclamation point on the day, he added the Hopeful Stakes (G1), Saratoga’s premier race for 2-year-olds.

The panel of racing experts voted Franco Jockey of the Week for August 31-September 7.

Going into Sunday’s card, Franco and Jose Ortiz were tied in second with 66 wins just behind Flavien Prat with 67 for top jockey honors. Franco tied for the lead with a win in Race 2 for five-time Eclipse Award trainer Chad Brown.

Trainer Brendon Walsh then gave a leg up to Franco aboard Mashallah in the Prioress Stakes (G3), clinching the leading rider title for Franco.

Off as the 2-5 favorite in the field of five 3-year-old fillies, Mashallah raced just behind the early pacesetter Vekoma’s Diva. Near the quarter pole, Mashallah took over drawing clear in the stretch for a five-length win in 1:09.93 for six furlongs.

Franco, 31, was emotional as he celebrated the achievement after crossing the finish line.

“It means everything,” Franco said. “I (won) Aqueduct, Belmont, I wanted this one, for sure. This is the best jockey colony right now. Doing it here is exciting. This is the summer of a lifetime.”

Not done for the day, however, as two-time Eclipse Award trainer Brad Cox and Franco combined to win the Hopeful Stakes (G1), with The Good Life.

Breaking from post position two, The Good Life went to the front making every pole a winning win for a four-length win as the 5-2 favorite in 1:24.08 for seven furlongs. It was Franco’s fourth win of the day.

“This is the cherry on top, said Franco. “We knew this horse is a good horse, a nice horse, he just needed to run this kind of race to prove it. We were high on him, and he proved it.”

On closing day Monday, Franco posted another multiple win day, starting with Race 4 for Horacio De Paz, Race 9 for Brad Cox and appropriately, the 12th and final race again for Horacio De Paz.

Franco posted a meet record of 73 wins for the 45-day meet. His wins included six graded stakes including four Grade 1s – the Travers with Leading Change, the Alabama with My Gun is Loaded, the Christophe Clement with Survie and the Hopeful. Franco posted a record-tying 6-win day on Aug. 7.

Next stop for Franco is the new Belmont Park which opens on Friday, September 18.

Other nominees for Jockey of the Week included Diego Herrera who won the leading rider title at Gulfstream Park, Juan Hernandez who won five stakes including the Del Mar Futurity (G1), and the Del Mar Debutante (G1), Flavien Prat with a graded stakes win and a 6-win day on Sunday at Kentucky Downs, and Ricardo Santana, Jr. with four stakes wins including the Spinaway (G1).

Statistics provided by: Equibase/Photo: Walter Wlodarczyk.

It is an honor to serve as Co-Chairmen of the Jockeys' Guild. Alongside our fellow Board members and dedicated staff, we are committed to representing every Guild member and strengthening the programs, benefits, and resources that support jockeys and their families.

As we begin this new chapter, we also want to recognize the extraordinary leadership of Johnny Velazquez. After nearly two decades serving as Chairman and later Co-Chairman, Johnny leaves an incredible legacy of service to the Guild and our industry. While stepping aside from the Co-Chair role, he remains an active Board member, and we are honored to continue building upon the foundation he helped create.

Since 1940, the Jockeys' Guild has existed to serve one purpose: to be the unified voice of professional jockeys. Together, we continue working to improve safety, advocate for fair compensation, expand insurance and wellness benefits, provide mental health resources, and create new educational opportunities through the Jockeys' Guild Education Foundation.

Thank you for your continued support and for the pride you take in being a member of the Jockeys' Guild.

By uniting jockeys under one national organization, the Guild strengthens safety standards, protects livelihoods, and advocates for long-term industry reform. Its presence in the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing industry creates accountability, elevates professional standards, and helps secure a sustainable future for both riders and the sport itself.

With a forward-looking approach, the Guild continues to anticipate challenges, innovate protections, and ensure that every jockey—past, present, and future—has the support and advocacy they deserve.