ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

* Began his riding career at Hipódromo Camarero in Puerto Rico on New Year’s Day, 2011, and rode there until June, winning 76 races from 357 mounts, good for a 28.3 winning percentage and earnings of $453,845.

* Pito Rosa, a NYRA peace officer who works in the jockeys’ room, took notice of Ortiz’s success in Puerto Rico and asked New York-based agent Tony Micallef if he’d be interested in carrying the rider’s book. Micallef accepted, and Ortiz rode his first race at Belmont Park on June 17, 2011. The rider notched his first U.S. victory one week later aboard Millennium Jet on June 24. 

 

INTRODUCTION TO RACING

* Grandfather, also named Irad Ortiz, was a jockey, as was uncle, Ivan Ortiz. Irad Ortiz, Jr. attended Puerto Rico’s Escuela Vocacional Hípica, a school for prospective jockeys.

 

FIRST WINNER

* Wild Logic, January 2, 2011, Hipódromo Camarero in Puerto Rico