Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. Sidelined Until August 22 Due to Foot Injury
Prominent jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. will be out of commission for approximately another week and a half, with his return to competitive riding anticipated on August 22. This extended break is a direct consequence of a left-foot injury he incurred during an incident at Saratoga. His representative confirmed the severity, noting the foot's persistent swelling and discomfort. This unexpected layoff is poised to significantly affect his standing in the ongoing Saratoga summer meet, where he currently ranks fourth among jockeys.
The incident that led to Ortiz's injury occurred last Saturday prior to the seventh race. His mount, And the Runner Is, a two-year-old colt, became agitated during the pre-race warmup. The horse bolted towards a closed stable gate, resulting in Ortiz's foot striking the outer rail. Despite initial X-rays at a local hospital showing no fractures, the extent of the soft tissue damage necessitates this recovery period. Consequently, Ortiz had to withdraw from all his scheduled races on Saturday, including major stakes events, and subsequently missed Sunday's card as well.
The impact of Ortiz's absence is far-reaching, as trainers must now seek alternative riders for numerous races. His scheduled engagements include eight races each on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and ten races on Saturday. Notably, he was slated to ride Ole Crazy Bone, a Grade 2 winner, in the prestigious Christophe Clément Turf, previously known as the Sword Dancer Stakes. His anticipated return on August 22 could see him paired with Counting Stars, a dual Grade 1 winner, for the Alabama Stakes, provided her eligibility and his full recovery.
This period of recovery is particularly challenging for Ortiz, who is vying for his fifth consecutive riding championship. Before his injury, he held the fourth position in the Saratoga jockey standings with 30 victories. This follows an initial week of the season that he also missed due to prior suspensions. The confirmed injury is solely to his foot, with earlier reports suggesting ankle involvement being clarified as inaccurate by his agent. This detailed update was initially disseminated by David Grening of the Daily Racing Form.
In summary, Irad Ortiz Jr.'s racing schedule is on hold until August 22 as he recuperates from a foot injury sustained at Saratoga. This unforeseen break will see him miss a substantial number of races and could influence his pursuit of a fifth consecutive riding title. The incident involved his horse bolting during a warmup, causing his foot to impact a rail. His agent has confirmed the injury's nature, emphasizing the swelling and soreness, while dispelling previous reports of an ankle injury. The racing community awaits his return, particularly for key stakes races where his presence is often a decisive factor.