Ortiz returns to saddle in top form

ELMONT, N.Y. – Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. won six races in his first three days back riding, topped by the Grade 1, $250,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup aboard Happy Saver.

Ortiz, who also won Saturday’s Grade 2 Sands Point on Tamahere and Sunday’s Grade 3 Matron on Royal Approval, missed 23 days of action due to suspensions for careless riding and testing positive for COVID-19.

“A lot of things happening,” Ortiz said following the Matron victory. “I feel so special to be back in the winner’s circle in those kinds of races. I feel so good. Keep working and try to keep doing what we’re doing. I appreciate the opportunity from the owners and the trainers.”

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◗ The Grade 2, $150,000 Hill Prince Stakes, one of two turf stakes postponed from Monday due to inclement weather, will now be run Sunday along with the Grade 2, $150,000 Knickerbocker Stakes. Originally, the Hill Prince had been rescheduled for Saturday.