Poplar jockey Manuel Franco tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday and will remain off his mounts until Sunday, January 9th, the New York Racing Association announced Wednesday.

All members of the NYRA jockey colony are vaccinated and adhere to established protocols.

In addition, the jockey quarters at Aqueduct have been substantially altered to provide maximum physical distancing and reduce density.

Franco is best remembered for riding TIZ THE LAW to Victories in the Florida Derby and Belmont Stakes back in 2020.

The 27 year-old Franco has not experienced symptoms and was proactively tested because of standard contact tracing following the positive tests of jockeys Jorge Vargas, Jr. and Jalon Samuel on Friday, December 31st.

Vargas and Samuel will be permitted to ride Thursday, January 6th, at Aqueduct provided they are asymptomatic following five days in isolation.

NYRA follows the most updated federal and state guidance regarding contact tracing, testing, required isolation, and quarantine.

Accordingly, Franco will be permitted to return to competition on Sunday, January 9th should he remain asymptomatic.

The Daily Racing Blog wishes Manny nothing but the best, while tipping our cap to NYRA for the rules and protocols they have (and abide) regarding covid19.