Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Irad Ortiz Jr.

How Irad Ortiz Jr. built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Irad Ortiz Jr. is a prominent Puerto Rican jockey who has been a leading figure in New York Thoroughbred horse racing since 2012. His accomplishments include winning his first Breeders' Cup race in 2014 with Lady Eli and securing his first American Classic victory at the 2016 Belmont Stakes aboard Creator. He also won the 2022 Belmont Stakes on Mo Donegal, solidifying his reputation as a top jockey in the sport.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2011: Professional Riding Career Begins

In 2011, Irad Ortiz Jr. started his professional riding career at Hipódromo Camarero in Puerto Rico, winning 76 of 357 starts, and was encouraged to come to New York in June.

February 2012: Lost His Bug

In February 2012, Irad Ortiz Jr. "lost his bug", signifying the end of his apprentice status and weight allowance.

June 2012: Grade 1 Victory

In June 2012, Irad Ortiz Jr. achieved his first Grade 1 victory in the Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga with Questing.

2012: First Riding Title

During the 2012-2013 Aqueduct inner track meet, Irad Ortiz Jr. secured his first riding title.

2012: Leading Rider in New York Thoroughbred Horse Racing Circuit

Since 2012, Irad Ortiz Jr. has been a leading rider in the New York Thoroughbred horse racing circuit.

2013: Vaults to #5 Ranking in North America by Earnings

In 2013, Irad Ortiz Jr. won 224 races and reached the #5 ranking in North America by earnings, with wins in the King's Bishop Stakes, Champagne Stakes, and Carter Handicap.

2014: First Breeders' Cup Victory

In 2014, Irad Ortiz Jr. won 15 graded stakes, including his first Breeders' Cup victory in the Juvenile Fillies Turf aboard Lady Eli, and tied for the leading rider title at Belmont Park's spring meet.

2014: Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf Win

In 2014, Irad Ortiz Jr. won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf.

November 22, 2015: 1,000th North American Victory

On November 22, 2015, Irad Ortiz Jr. secured his 1,000th North American victory aboard Island Therapy at Aqueduct.

2015: Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint & Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf Wins

In 2015, Irad Ortiz Jr. achieved victories in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint and the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf.

2016: Belmont Stakes Win

In 2016, Irad Ortiz Jr. secured a victory at the Belmont Stakes.

2016: Jockey of the Week & Belmont Stakes Win

In 2016, Irad Ortiz Jr. was voted Jockey of the Week and won his first American Classic in the Belmont Stakes on Creator.

2016: First American Classic Win

In 2016, Irad Ortiz Jr. won his first American Classic on Creator in the Belmont Stakes.

2017: Finished Third in Jockey Standings by Earnings

In 2017, Irad Ortiz Jr. finished third in the jockey standings by earnings and first by number of wins, also being an Eclipse Award finalist alongside his brother.

2017: Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint Win

In 2017, Irad Ortiz Jr. secured a win at the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint.

2018: Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf & Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint Wins

In 2018, Irad Ortiz Jr. secured wins at the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf and the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint.

2018: Eclipse Award & 2,000th Career Win

In 2018, Irad Ortiz Jr. won the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey, earned his 2,000th career win, and won the Shoemaker Award at the Breeders' Cup.

2018: Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey

In 2018, Irad Ortiz won the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey after leading in both number of wins and earnings.

2019: Exceptional Breeders' Cup & Second Eclipse Award

In 2019, Irad Ortiz Jr. had an exceptional Breeders' Cup with four winners and received his second Eclipse Award, finishing the year ranked first by number of wins and earnings.

2019: Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, Breeders' Cup Turf & Breeders' Cup Classic Wins

In 2019, Irad Ortiz Jr. had multiple wins, including the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, Breeders' Cup Turf, and Breeders' Cup Classic.

2019: Four Winners at Breeders' Cup & Eclipse Award

In 2019, Irad Ortiz had four winners at the Breeders' Cup, including wins in the Turf and Classic, and repeated as Eclipse Award winner, setting a single-year earnings record.

2020: Third Consecutive Eclipse Award

In 2020, Irad Ortiz Jr. earned his third consecutive Eclipse Award, with a win in the Breeders' Cup Sprint with Whitmore.

2020: Breeders' Cup Sprint & Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint Wins

In 2020, Irad Ortiz Jr. won the Breeders' Cup Sprint and the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint.

2021: Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint & Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile Wins

In 2021, Irad Ortiz Jr. won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint and the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile.

2022: Belmont Stakes Win on Mo Donegal

In 2022, Irad Ortiz Jr. achieved victory at the Belmont Stakes while riding Mo Donegal.

2022: Belmont Stakes & Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint Wins

In 2022, Irad Ortiz Jr. achieved wins at both the Belmont Stakes and the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint.

2023: Breeders' Cup Sprint, Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, and Breeders' Cup Classic Wins

In 2023, Irad Ortiz Jr. achieved victories in the Breeders' Cup Sprint, Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, and Breeders' Cup Classic.

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