Irad Ortiz Jr. Dominates Grade 3 Horse Racing Championship, Adding One More Accolade To His Storied Career

A highly renowned name in the equestrian centers, Irad Ortiz Jr. has become one of the most dominant jockeys in the world. The multiple grade 1 winner has competed several times in the prestigious Kentucky Derby, although a victory is still missing. But that left, he triumphs everywhere, and his recent victory further stamped his authority.

Ortiz Jr. had a phenomenal 2023 season, and he ended it on an even higher note. The Breeder’s Cup Classic winner has come out on top in a thrilling contest at Suwannee River Stakes.

Irad Ortiz Jr ends the year on high

In the latest update, Brittany Russel Racing Stables announced the victory of Irad Ortiz Jr at the G3 Suwannee River Stakes for Gold Square LLC. “G3 for Full Count Felicia!. Felicia and @iradortiz ride the rail at @GulfstreamPark to win the G3 Suwannee River Stakes for Gold Square LLC!@goldsquare88“, the post read. Ortiz Jr was riding Full Count Felicia, who has been one of his favorite horses.

The Grade 3 contest had a $150,000 guaranteed prize money. With over 10 horses in contention, it was promising to be a thrilling contest, and it definitely didn’t let us down. As the last seconds of the race approached, Ortiz Jr was stuck between several horses, ranking 5th on the chart. However, he soon let his horse loose and railed past the 2nd-placed Accomplished Girl. This exhilarating victory marks the end of a highly successful season for Ortiz Jr.

Now let’s take a look at the jockey’s stellar season.

Ortiz Jr’s 2023 season

Irad Ortiz Jr. made 1554 starts in 2023, winning a staggering amount of 365 times. He amassed a whopping $39,124,795 in earnings this year, taking his career earnings to $304,899,632. Although his earnings per start stand at $25,177, which is less than last year’s average of $27,184, the 31-year-old will be happy. nonetheless His highlight of the year came at Santa Anita Park, winning the coveted Breeders’ Cup Classic aboard his favorite White Abarrio.

READ MORE: Famed Jockey Worth $286,155,753 Adds Another Win to His Name at Popular Equestrian Race Track

Having started as an apprentice in 2011, Ortiz Jr. managed to secure 151 wins from 1,016 starts in his first year alone. He would then touch the 300 mark for the first time in 2015 and ever since then, Ortiz Jr has never won less than 300 races in a year. Some big wins of Ortiz Jr include the Qatar Racing Breeders’ Cup Sprint, Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic, and Madison Stakes.

As the 2024 stands tall, it remains to be seen how else the star jockey can surprise us!

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