Pass the Buck Radio: Special Guest Jose L. Ortiz

Native New Yorker Buck Grottano makes his US Racing radio debut! Along with co-host Travis Hembd, Buck chats with multiple graded stakes-winning jockey Jose Ortiz, who recently notched his 1,000th career victory, about the big weekend at Saratoga.

The guys will also be breaking down Sunday’s Grade I Haskell Invitational from Monmouth. Email your questions to [email protected] or call in live at 1-714-816-462.

ABOUT THE GUEST(S)

Jose Ortiz (photo via www.theepochtimes.com)

Jose Ortiz won the 1,000th race of his career on Moonlight Song in the John Morrissey Stakes at Saratoga Race Course on July 28.

Ortiz began riding races in his native Puerto Rico in 2011 and, since coming to the United States in 2012, has captured six Grade I events, including the 2013 Hopeful Stakes with Strong Mandate, the 2014 Delaware Handicap and Beldame with Belle Gallantey and the 2014 Frizette Stakes with By the Moon. He also won this year’s Mother Goose Stakes with Off the Tracks.

Ortiz, 23, has won three straight meet riding titles at NYRA tracks. He topped the standings of Aqueduct’s latest inner track meeting and was also the leading rider during the spring meets at both Aqueduct and Belmont Park (where he outpaced his older brother, Irad, by 21 wins).

Buck Grottano

Born and raised in Rockaway Beach, New York, just minutes from Aqueduct Racetrack, Buck Grottano was first introduced to Thoroughbred racing 20 years ago. He was hooked for life when a co-worker who owned a small percentage of a few horses invited him to the racetrack to watch his horses run. Buck’s interest in the industry has only grown since.

In 2011, Buck started “Pass the Buck Talking Horses” on blogtalkradio.com to share his passion for the sport with like-minded fans. Buck’s objective in launching the interview-format, call-in show was to help educate the novice fan, as well as to provide a platform and informal environment for some of thoroughbred racing’s biggest names to offer insight into the game to help racing enthusiasts learn about the industry’s many facets. The show also features handicapping and selections from noted handicappers, horsemen and TV and radio personalities.

Now, with over a quarter-of-a-million listeners from all over the world, “Pass the Buck Talking Horses” continues to grow and expand its loyal fan base.