Irad Ortiz, Jr., who has more victories than any other jockey over the past decade, is “off until further notice’’ his agent said Friday (Aug. 21), the day before he was scheduled to ride 1-2 favorite Counting Stars in the $600,000 Alabama Stakes (G1).
Ortiz has been off since Aug. 8, when he sustained a left ankle injury in an on-track incident before the start of the seventh race that day.
Steve Rushing, Ortiz’s agent, told drf.com that Ortiz breezed a horse Friday for trainer Brad Cox and afterward said he “does not feel comfortable. Too painful.”
His younger brother, Jose, the rider for Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Golden Tempo, steps in for Irad aboard Counting Stars, trained by Hall of Famer Mark Casse.
A week from now, the $1.5 million Travers Stakes (G1) takes place, and Irad is the regular rider aboard Renegade, a close second in the Derby and winner of the Jim Dandy Stakes (G2). Renegade and Golden Tempo are both set for the race, but a jockey change for Renegade could shake up the morning-line odds.
Ortiz was scheduled to see a doctor on Saturday, Rushing told DRF.com.
Ortiz was also scheduled to ride two horses for Cox on Saturday and was listed on four horses Sunday, including Onebigbeautflbill in the $200,000 Albany Stakes.
Ortiz, a five-time Eclipse Award winner, was seeking his eighth Saratoga riding title and fifth in a row. Through Thursday (Aug. 20), he was fourth with 30 victories. Jose Ortiz leads with 59 wins, with Manny Franco next at 47 wins and Flavien Prat third with 43 wins.
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