Irad Ortiz is a Puerto Rican jockey who has made a name for himself as one of the top riders in the New York Thoroughbred horse racing scene since 2012. Over the years, Irad Ortiz has built an impressive career, and fans have watched his journey with great interest. One of the standout moments came in 2014 when Irad Ortiz won his first Breeders’ Cup race aboard Lady Eli—an achievement that marked a turning point in his career. Then, in 2016, he claimed victory in his first American Classic, riding Creator to win the prestigious Belmont Stakes, further solidifying Irad Ortiz’s reputation as a top-tier jockey.
Beyond the racetrack, Irad Ortiz has also gained popularity on social media. His Instagram account, @irad_ortiz, has attracted more than 80,000 followers who keep up with his professional milestones and personal life. Before all the fame, Irad Ortiz started young—enrolling at just 16 years old in Puerto Rico’s Escuela Vocacional Hípica, a specialized school designed to train future jockeys. It seems the passion runs in the family, as his grandfather, also named Irad Ortiz, was a jockey, passing down a legacy that continues today.
Family plays a big role in Irad Ortiz’s life. His younger brother, José Ortiz, is also a prominent jockey competing in the same New York circuit, making them a well-known duo in the racing world. On the personal side, Irad Ortiz is married and proud father to three daughters. His first daughter, Sarai, was born in 2015, and she has been a source of joy and motivation throughout his journey. Through dedication, talent, and family support, Irad Ortiz continues to leave a lasting mark in the world of horse racing.
In 2019, he truly made his mark at the Breeders’ Cup, securing an impressive four victories—among them, triumphs in the prestigious \(4 million Turf and the high-stakes \)6 million Classic. That same year, he didn’t just shine on the track; he also shattered records, setting a new benchmark for single-year earnings in North American horse racing with a staggering total of $34,109,019. It was a standout season that solidified his reputation as a dominant force in the sport.