Aqueduct
Jose Ortiz likely to return sooner than expected
Barbara D. Livingston Jose Ortiz is now expected to need just three weeks to recover from knee surgery.
OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Jockey Jose Ortiz is expected to return to the saddle sooner than originally thought following surgery on his left knee Tuesday.
According to his agent, Jim Riccio Jr., doctors only had to remove some scar tissue from the knee rather than do a more extensive procedure. Originally expected to be out six to eight weeks, Ortiz is now likely to miss just three weeks and is hoping to return the first week in January. He will be riding at Gulfstream Park for the winter.
Ortiz, who leads all riders in North America in purse money won and who ranks fourth in wins, is a leading contender for the Eclipse Award as North America’s outstanding jockey.
:: Save on PPs, digital subscriptions, and more!
