Irad Ortiz Jr.

Irad Ortiz Jr. is a Puerto Rican flat jockey who has won the Eclipse Award as outstanding jockey in North America four times, making him the most decorated active rider in the United States. He is based in New York, where he dominates the competitive circuits at Aqueduct, Belmont Park, and Saratoga.

Ortiz arrived in the US mainland as a teenager and rose through the ranks with startling speed. His Breeders' Cup record is exceptional, with multiple victories across different divisions of the two-day championship meeting. He has won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, the Filly and Mare Sprint, and several other divisions, demonstrating versatility across surfaces and distances. His annual earnings figures consistently place him at or near the top of the North American standings, a reflection of both the quality of his mounts and his ability to win at a high percentage.

What distinguishes Ortiz is aggression tempered by intelligence. He is an assertive rider who takes the initiative early, securing strong tactical positions from the gate. He excels in New York's deep, competitive fields where traffic problems can derail less decisive jockeys. His gate speed is a particular weapon; he routinely puts his mounts in favourable positions within the first few strides, saving ground on the rail or establishing a forward position that allows him to dictate terms. He is equally effective on dirt and turf, which is relatively unusual among top American riders.

In 2026, Ortiz will target the major US racing events, including the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders' Cup. His New York base ensures he will be a dominant presence throughout the spring and summer at Belmont and Saratoga, and he has shown willingness to travel internationally for the right mount. Fans can follow in Puerto Rico time.