Horse Racing

Record-breaking Ortiz Jr. Set more goals in 2023


Recently, the name Irad Ortiz Jr. has become a synonym for success as this racer won the championship for 3 consecutive years (2018-2020) and returns in 2022 to reclaim his crown.

As 365 days passed in view, Ortiz, who ended the year with earnings in North America significantly outpacing his peers, reflected on his great season and looking ahead to 2023, where he will seek to break the records he has set for himself.

One thing the horseman broke most recently was the most winning single-season bet (76), set in 2007 by the late Hall of Famer Garrett Gomez. Ortiz said that his agent Steve Rushing told him he was getting close to the World Championship.

“I spoke to Steve before the Breeders’ Cup, and he told me about the record and said, ‘Irad, I think we have a chance, let’s push.’ I said, ‘Okay, let’s do it.’ We had a great day at the Breeders’ Cup, and then we were very close,” Ortiz said.

‘Have a nice day’ by the equestrian, November 4-5 at Keenelandincludes three separate trips to the winner’s circle with intern Todd Pletcher Forte in Breeders’ Cup for minors (G1), First Row Partners and Team Hanley’s Good night olives in Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1), and elite power during the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) for coach Bill Mott.

Registration for

Goodnight Olive is with Irad Ortiz Jr.  won the Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) at Keeneland in Lexington, KY on November 5, 2022.
Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Goodnight Olive Wins Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint 2022 in Keeneland

Overall, the equestrian has won 17 first-place finishes, eight second-place finishes and five third-place finishes since his first appearance at the Breeders’ Cup in 2014.

Ortiz says that he and his agent began to increase travel afterward to find races that could help him set a new record. Finally, in the first week of December, this equestrian completed his goal at Aqueduct race track when he rides a horse Dr. B to win the Go for Wand Stakes (G3).

“We were pushing; we went to Mahoning Valley and tried to get close to the record. It was exciting to get close, and then we hit it. When we broke it, that was it. a very special moment.”

His win over Dr B was number 77 and he finished the year with a total score of 80.

“It’s been a dream for me. Every day I’m out there, that’s what I love to do and just to be in this position. All the success I have now, it’s amazing,” Ortiz said. speak. “It’s been a dream come true for me and I want to keep making it.”

Dr. B wins Go for Wand Share in 2022 at Aqueduct<br /> 77 Winning stakes for Irad Ortiz Jr.” src=”https://cms-images.bloodhorse.com/i/bloodhorse-images/2022/12/f7c2fa1dfb4c40528d8f2126260a170a.jpg?preset=medium” style=”border-width: 0px;” title=”Dr B wins Go for Wand stake in 2022 at Aqueduct<br /> 77 Winning stakes for Irad Ortiz Jr.”/><figcaption><small>Photo: Coglianese Photos</small></p>
<p>Irad Ortiz Jr.  win 77 stakes in a season with Dr B at Aqueduct Tracks</p>
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<p>The racer also broke his own record set in 2019 for earnings in a year in North America.  Previously, he blew away $34.1 million—taking home $37,075,772 in 2022.</p>
<p>“It was amazing, probably the best year of my career. My agent did a great job. The bosses and coaches support me a lot. They can do it because I need to. that support from them,” Ortiz said.</p>
<p>“We never stopped working…it was amazing what we did last year. I didn’t observe too much, but when I saw what happened, all the numbers. all very impressed. I’m very happy.”</p>
<p>From a year that saw Ortiz hit the 325 rope for the first time in 1,363 rides, he says his wins at the Belmont Stakes (G1) over Donegal Racing and Repole Stable’s <span class=Mo Donegal is one of his most precious memories.

Ortiz was above the 4-year-old son of Uncle Mo when he broke his maiden in October when he was 2 years old at Belmont Park and back to work with the foal to win its first graded stake in the 2021 Remsen Stakes (G2) as well as a third place attempt in the Holy Bull Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park for the first time starting in 2022.

The ride went to Joel Rosario for the foal’s next run in the Wood Memorial Stakes (G2), but Ortiz returned for the Kentucky Derby (G1), in which he placed fifth. In Mo Donegal’s last appearance, Ortiz clinched the final victory of the Triple Crown, overtaking his brother Jose on board. Nest , who won the title of runner-up.

Mo Donegal with jockey Irad Ortiz Jr.  won the 154th The Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park Saturday, June 11, 2022 in Elmont, NY Photo by Skip Dickstein

Mo Donegal wins Belmont Stakes in 2022

Mo Donegal’s victory gave Ortiz his second Belmont victory after Creator success of 2016. The rider has yet to win the Preakness Stakes (G1) or the Kentucky Derby.

“I like my horse, I’ve worked with him for a long time… I said to Steve (Rushing), ‘I think this is my Derby.’ We ended up with him in the Derby,” Ortiz said. “We’ve had a rough ride… But I know what he can do and I know how he’s doing so I love going to Belmont Stakes and getting it done; this is definitely one of those. my favorite moment of the year.”

Along with support from his agent, coach and owner, Ortiz said the attention he received from the public was part of what made the year so remarkable. He said he prefers no track to another because he feels welcome at all the venues he has been to.

“The last few years, everywhere I go, people treat me very well. I love to ride in New York but when I visit other races and people support me, the way they react to it. me,” Ortiz said. “They want to be near me to take pictures and I really like that. They make me feel special and a part of wherever I go.”

So what does Ortiz have in mind for 2023 after such a high performance over the past year? For him, it was a simple answer—anything is possible with dedication.

“When this happens to you, you have to do it,” he said. “There’s a lot of sacrifice. There’s also a lot of work but I like it…You never know what’s going to happen. We just work hard, stay focused and keep going.

“I think in 2019 we had a record and we ended up breaking that record this year (last) so who knows… If it’s because of me, it’s that. for me, and (I) try to do the right thing Keep learning every day. Every day we’re out there, I learn something, and I feel better, more experienced, more fulfilled. more prepared. I’m ready.”

Rounding out the top five are Flavien Prat ($29,832,252), Joel Rosario ($29,250,139), Tyler Gaffalione ($27,360,825) and Luis Saez ($24,339,905).

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