On Saturday, the Puerto Rican jockey surged ahead aboard Sorcere's Silver in Gulfstream Park’s second race to notch his impressive milestone
HALLANDALE BEACH, Florida (Special para Turf Diario).- On Saturday, February 1, 2025, an unforgettable day unfolded in the career of Puerto Rican jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. as he reached the historic milestone of 4,000 wins in the United States during an exhilarating day at Gulfstream Park. With a performance that cements his status as one of modern racing’s standout riders, Ortiz celebrated this significant achievement with a victory in the day’s second race, riding Sorcere’s Silver (Good Magic) for Dale Romans.
Born in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, Ortiz hails from a family steeped in turf tradition. His younger brother, José Ortiz, is also a top jockey, and both honed their skills at the esteemed Puerto Rico Vocational Equestrian School. After arriving in the United States in 2011, Irad quickly showcased his talent by capturing his first win that same year at Belmont Park.
His knack for reading races and his refined technical skills have swiftly propelled him to prominence on America’s premier circuits, accumulating victories at Belmont, Saratoga, Gulfstream Park, and many other prestigious tracks.
Irad Ortiz Jr. is renowned for his versatility. His riding style, which combines controlled aggression with tactical precision, maximizes the potential of every mount. This, along with his ability to adapt seamlessly to varying surfaces and distances, makes him a dependable choice in both classic races and smaller competitions.
The 4,000-win milestone is a resounding affirmation of Ortiz Jr.’s prominent position in the sport. With many more years ahead, the question isn’t whether he will continue to rack up wins, but rather just how many more he will secure before eventually hanging up his whip.
A five-time recipient of the Eclipse Award for Best Jockey in the United States (2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023), a multiple-time Shoemaker Award honoree (2019, 2020, and 2022), a two-time Belmont Stakes (G1) victor, and boasting 18 wins in the Breeders’ Cup series, Irad Ortiz Jr. continues to demonstrate with every race that the future of American turf rests in exceptionally talented hands. His achievements are a source of pride for Puerto Rico and the entire Latin equine community, underscoring that hard work and passion can indeed turn dreams into reality.
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