2020 Eclipse Awards: Irad Ortiz Jr.

Despite missing two months of action due to COVID-related issues and riding infractions, Irad Ortiz Jr. led all North American riders in wins (300) and purse money won ($21,050,726) as he bids to win a third consecutive Eclipse Award. It was the fifth consecutive year in which Ortiz won at least 300 races.

In 2020, Ortiz led all riders in stakes wins (51) and finished second behind Flavien Prat in graded wins with 27. Ortiz won seven Grade 1s, including the Pegasus World Cup Invitational presented by Runhappy on Mucho Gusto, the Breeders’ Cup Sprint on Whitmore, and the Grade 1 Whitney on Improbable. Ortiz won the Saratoga riding title, his third Saratoga title in the last five years.

Ortiz was the leading rider at the 2019-20 Gulfstream Park Championship meet, though he took off the final two weeks – as well as most of April – due to family concerns regarding the coronavirus. In the fall, while preparing to return from 10 days’ worth or riding suspensions, Ortiz was diagnosed with COVID-19 and missed additional time. Still, he finished the year strong with victories in the Jockey Club Gold Cup on Happy Saver, the Breeders’ Cup Sprint on Whitmore, and the Hollywood Derby on Domestic Spending. Ortiz also won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint on Golden Pal.

:: Full list of 2020 Eclipse Awards finalists, including profile stories

If Ortiz wins a third straight Eclipse Award, he would join a select group of jockeys who won the award for at least three consecutive years, including Jerry Bailey (1995-97 and 2000-03), Ramon Dominguez (2010-12), and Javier Castellano (2013-16).