Trainer John Ortiz is planning to shut down his stable in the next few weeks, according to a report from Blood-Horse. He currently manages around 20 horses, which will be transferred to other trainers following the closure.
Ortiz shared with Blood-Horse that this decision has been in the works for more than a year, as he wants to prioritize spending time with his family. In addition to stepping away from training, he has started a new career as an insurance adjuster.
“Being home is probably the most important thing I want in life right now,” Ortiz stated to Blood-Horse.
He also mentioned that the six unresolved Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit violations related to the controlled medication dexamethasone did not influence his choice to leave training.
Son of Colombian jockey Carlos Ortiz, John has recorded 429 wins from 2,770 starts since 2016. His notable horses include Brightwork, winner of the 2023 Grade 1 Spinaway and Breeders’ Cup participant; Quietside, a millionaire graded stakes winner and Breeders’ Cup starter; and Barber Road, who raced in the 2022 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes.
For more details, visit bloodhorse.com.
This article was first published by Paulick Report on September 25, 2026, in their News section. To add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source, click here.
Fan Take:
John Ortiz stepping away from training marks the departure of a dedicated and successful figure from the sport, underscoring the personal sacrifices involved in horse racing. His exit could lead to shifts among horse placements and highlight the ongoing challenges trainers face balancing career demands with family life.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
