Irad Ortiz Jr. returning to Spa after suspensions, out-of-town rides
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SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Irad Ortiz Jr., the seven-time leading rider at Saratoga, will make his seasonal debut at the Spa on Sunday.
Last week, Ortiz had to miss six racing days – which included the first four days of the Saratoga meet – due to suspensions incurred from Saratoga last summer and Delaware Park last month.
On Friday, he is serving a one-day suspension handed him by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) for a whip violation as he struck his mount, Don’t Be Salty, seven times, one more than permitted, in a starter allowance in which he finished second.
On Saturday, Ortiz will be at Horseshoe Indianapolis, where he is scheduled to ride Leading Change in the Grade 3, $300,000 Indiana Derby and Prom Queen in the Grade 3, $200,000 Indiana Oaks, as well as other horses for trainer Brad Cox.
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