Irad Ortiz Jr. – 2018 Outstanding Jockey
)
Irad Ortiz Jr. (c) Adam Coglianese
Irad Ortiz Jr. led all jockeys by wins (396) and earnings ($27,727,039) in 2018 and Eclipse Award voters took notice, awarding the 26-year-old native of Puerto Rico leading jockey.
Based in New York, Ortiz Jr. earned his first Eclipse Award. His brother, Jose, was named leading jockey in 2017.
Ortiz Jr. won titles at Aqueduct, Belmont Park and Saratoga and major races across the country. He guided Breeders’ Cup winners Newspaperofrecord (Juvenile Fillies Turf) and Shamrock Rose (Filly & Mare Sprint) and received the 2018 Shoemaker Award for leading rider in the Breeders’ Cup.
Other notable mounts included Diversify, Fourstarcrook and Robert Bruce.
| JOCKEY | FIRST-PLACE VOTES | |
| IRAD ORTIZ JR. | 173 | |
| Mike Smith | 40 | |
| Jose Ortiz | 25 | |
| Joel Rosario | 8 | |
| Florent Geroux | 1 | |
| Javier Castellano | 1 | |
| Voter Abstentions | 1 |
Authors
Categories
Featured Keeneland Products
Kentucky Handicapper's Sheet (PDF)
No one follows the racing in Kentucky better than our handicappers. Get expert selections, in-depth analysis, and wagering strategy daily.
Buy NowBruno With the Works
Bruno De Julio & team bring 30+ yrs experience observing racehorses to Brisnet with valuable insight into their morning routines & chances for success in the afternoons.
Buy NowDaily Selections
Full racecard analysis/expert picks for major tracks from America's top handicappers.
Buy NowADVERTISEMENT