There are twelve races at Gulfstream Park this evening, with leading jockey Irad Ortiz jnr back in action after more than a month off.
He has rides in 9 of the 12 races and he may be a bit ring rusty.
Irad Ortiz
Ortiz chose to stop riding out of concerns for his family amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Ortiz’s wife, Meliza, is expecting the couple’s third child. They have remained at their home in Hollywood, during his hiatus.
“It’s been hard, to be honest, just being home. I’ve been home with my babies and my wife. It’s hard for everyone with everything going on right now out there in the world with the virus,” Ortiz said.
“But, I see that Gulfstream has done a great job and they don’t have any cases,” he told the Racing Post. “They’ve been doing a great job keeping everyone safe.”
“I’m very excited to be back riding,” Ortiz said. “Thank God, I have the help from all the owners and trainers. A lot of people support me here, so I appreciate that very much.”
Ortiz, 27, has not ridden since winning two races March 19 at Gulfstream, with eight racing days remaining in the championship meet. Those victories ended up being the difference (115-113) in capturing his second consecutive title over Luis Saez, who won 18 races in Ortiz’s absence.
Also during this off period, he began a ten-day suspension issued by Saudi Arabian race officials for excessive whip use, agent Steve Rushing told BloodHorse in late March.
Get all the details on the Gulfstream card – click on the image below
