Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., who has been sidelined due to a left ankle injury sustained in a pre-race incident at Saratoga on August 8, may be making a comeback during the current Churchill Downs meet, reports Thoroughbred Daily News. Although Ortiz did not suffer any broken bones, he has been out of competition for more than a month.
His agent, Steve Rushing, told TDN that Ortiz plans to breeze some horses this week and is expected to return either near the end of the Churchill Downs meet or at the start of the Keeneland meet. The Churchill Downs September meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, runs from September 10 to 27, while the Keeneland Fall meet in Lexington, Kentucky, is scheduled from October 2 through October 24, with the Breeders’ Cup set for October 30 and 31 at Keeneland.
Ortiz, a five-time Eclipse Award winner including the 2023 season, has claimed 212 victories from 875 starts this year alone, and boasts over 4,600 wins throughout his career, according to Equibase.
Read more at thoroughbreddailynews.com.
This article was first published by Paulick Report on September 15, 2026.
Fan Take: Irad Ortiz Jr.’s potential return is exciting news for horse racing fans, as his skill and experience can significantly impact competitive fields at two of the sport’s premier meets. His presence not only elevates the quality of racing but also draws increased attention and enthusiasm to the upcoming fall season, boosting the sport’s overall profile.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
