What Is Irad Ortiz Jr’s Net Worth? Everything About the $20 Million 2024 Kentucky Derby Jockey

Irad Ortiz Jr. is a familiar name to horse racing fans worldwide, celebrated for his remarkable achievements in the sport. With five Eclipse Awards for Outstanding Jockey and victories in prestigious races like the Belmont Stakes (G1) twice, he’s a standout figure. Ortiz Jr. boasts an impressive record of 20 Breeders’ Cup wins, making him the second-most successful jockey in the competition’s history. Despite his stellar career, Ortiz Jr. is still chasing his first Kentucky Derby victory after seven attempts.

While he consistently ranks as North America’s top jockey, the Derby win has remained elusive. As the Kentucky Derby race approaches, with just two days left until the event commences on May 4th, Ortiz Jr. will be riding Domestic Product, a horse that has shown promise by clinching victories in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) and finishing as a runner-up in the Holy Bull. Given Ortiz Jr.’s impressive track record, many are naturally curious about his net worth. Read below to know the answer.

Astonishing net worth and the untold story behind his millions

Irad Ortiz Jr., a seasoned 31-year-old jockey, burst onto the professional horse racing scene in 2011, quickly making a name for himself. Winning his first Grade 1 race in 2012, he has since achieved numerous prestigious victories, followed by numerous prestigious victories. Ortiz Jr.’s success extends beyond the racetrack, as he has secured lucrative partnerships and endorsements with major brands like TVG and American Equus, contributing significantly to his estimated net worth of $20 million as of 2024.

With 3,715 victories under his belt, including 596 stakes races (304 of which were graded), and over $303.5 million in purse earnings (lifetime earnings), Ortiz Jr. has cemented his place as one of the most accomplished jockeys in the sport’s history. As of 2024, Irad Ortiz Jr.’s estimated net worth stands at an impressive $20 million. His enduring impact goes beyond the numbers, as his influence resonates both on and off the track. But is it enough about him? Well, maybe, but do you know behind his name “Irad Ortiz” there is a story too?

Irad Ortiz Jr.’s journey from family legacy to racing triumphs

Irad Ortiz Jr., a native of Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, was born into a family deeply rooted in the world of horse racing. With his grandfather and namesake, Irad Ortiz, along with his uncle Ivan Ortiz, both accomplished jockeys. Growing up, Ortiz Jr. found inspiration in Angel Cordero Jr., a pioneering Puerto Rican jockey honored with induction into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. This admiration fueled Ortiz Jr.’s passion for the sport, leading him to enroll in Puerto Rico’s Escuela Vocacional Hipica at the tender age of 16, marking a pivotal step toward his future as a jockey.

Irad Ortiz Jr. not only excels in his career but shares his life with Taylor Rice (his wife), who is a former jockey and the daughter of renowned trainer Linda Rice. His success in winning races like the Belmont Stakes and numerous victories at the Breeders Cup has solidified his reputation as a figure, in the racing world.

He achieved success in some prestigious races including:

• The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf in 2014 and 2018
• The Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf in 2015
• The Breeders’ Cup Sprint in 2020
• The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint in 2019 and 2020
• The Breeders’ Cup Turf in 2019
• The Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2019

These wins, along with others over his career highlight Ortiz Jr.s enduring influence and reputation horse racing.