Irad Ortiz, Jr. celebrates five-win day at Saratoga
by NYRA Press Office
Irad Ortiz, Jr. notched the first five-win day by any jockey during the summer meet at Saratoga Race Course, going 5-for-7 on his mounts on Wednesday.
Ortiz, Jr. started the day in fifth in the jockey standings but quickly moved up, riding Team Win (No. 5, $9.10 on a $2 win wager) in the opening race; Kid Is Frosty (No. 5, $5.20) in the $150,000 New York Stallion Stakes Series Statue of Liberty in Race 4; Girlntheyellowtaxi (No. 4, $5.90) in Race 5; Mascha (No. 2, $4.30) in Race 7 and Theaterintheround (No. 6, $17) in the next race to conclude his day.
Ortiz, Jr. increased his win total to 16 for the meet, moving into the second spot, trailing only his brother and leading rider Jose Ortiz, who increased his total to 20 after posting two wins on Wednesday.
Ortiz, Jr. is the first jockey to win five races on a day's card at Saratoga since Jose Ortiz accomplished it on August 21, 2017.