Irad Ortiz Jr. has return delayed by positive test for COVID-19

Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., the two-time reigning Eclipse Award winner, tested positive for COVID-19 and will not return to action on Sunday as scheduled.

Ortiz has not ridden since Sept. 16 at Kentucky Downs. Since then, he has been on suspension for 10 New York Racing Association racing days (Sept 18 through Oct 3) owing to a pair of careless riding infractions incurred earlier this year.

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As a first step toward being able to return to riding here on Sunday, Ortiz took a COVID-19 test on Monday and was informed on Tuesday that he was positive. He displayed no symptoms, according to his agent, Steve Rushing.

“He was as surprised as anyone when he found out,” Rushing said.

Ortiz took the test in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., where he is currently residing. He must self-isolate for 10 days. He is hoping to return to race-riding at Belmont on Oct. 8, Rushing said.

Martin Panza, NYRA’s senior director of racing operations, said Ortiz must get a letter from the Saratoga County Health Department stating he is cleared to return to work before he is allowed to ride again in New York.

Ortiz, who won the Saratoga meet riding title, is the leader among North American jockeys in wins (243) and purse money won ($14,781,454) through Sept. 30.