Irad Ortiz Jr. ‘off until futher notice’ due to injury
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SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. will not return to race-riding this weekend at Saratoga as planned and will be “off until further notice,” according to his agent, Steve Rushing.
Ortiz was scheduled to ride heavily favored Counting Stars in Saturday’s Grade 1, $600,000 Coaching Club American Oaks. He will be replaced by his brother, Jose Ortiz.
Irad Ortiz has been off since the middle of the Aug. 8 card when he suffered a foot injury in an ontrack incident prior to the start of the seventh race.
On Friday, Ortiz breezed a horse for trainer Brad Cox, but afterward said he “does not feel comfortable,” Rushing said. “Too painful.”
Rushing said Ortiz is scheduled to see a doctor at 9 a.m. Saturday.
In addition to Counting Stars, Ortiz was named on two horses for Cox on Saturday’s card. He also was named on four horses Sunday at Saratoga, including Onebigbeautflbill in the $200,000 Albany Stakes.
Ortiz also is the regular rider of Renegade, who figures to go off the second choice in the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers Stakes on Aug. 29. Rushing said he told Todd Pletcher, trainer of Renegade, Ortiz is in jeopardy of missing that race as well.
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