Irad Ortiz Jr Returns to the Saddle and Targets More Wins This Weekend

**Irad Ortiz Jr** stepped back into the saddle on June 5, 2026, after a two‑week suspension, celebrating a Grade I Acorn win aboard Counting Stars at Saratoga before heading to Indianapolis to ride morning‑line favorite **Prom Queen** in the Indiana Oaks.

The six‑time Eclipse Award winner returned to competition on Friday, June 5, at Saratoga Race Course. After the Acorn victory, Ortiz was listed for the Indiana Oaks at Horseshoe Indianapolis on Saturday, where he will guide Prom Queen, the race’s top pick. He’s also slated to ride **Leading Change** in the Indiana Derby later that day and will have seven mounts on Sunday’s Saratoga card.

Ortiz has captured the Saratoga meet riding title for the past two seasons, a streak that began in 2015 and now includes five titles. His suspension threatened to break that run, but the comeback gives him a chance to protect his dominance. The rider’s presence deepens an already stacked jockey colony, and his schedule shows confidence from trainers who trust his ability to deliver top finishes.

Luis Saez, the only non‑Ortiz brother to win the Saratoga title in the last nine years, also returned on Friday night at Prairie Meadows, riding favorite **Good Cheer** in the Iowa Distaff. **Kendrick Carmouche** got a limited ride on Phileas Fogg in the Grade II Suburban last Saturday and will be fully back on Sunday. **Chris Elliott** and **Katie Davis** are also re‑entering the field after serving suspensions, adding depth to the jockey roster.

Heading into Friday’s card, Jose Ortiz led the meet standings with nine wins, followed by Flavien Prat (seven) and John Velazquez (four). Irad’s Saturday and Sunday mounts will be crucial for him to close the gap. After Indianapolis, he returns to Saratoga on Monday to ride **Bravaro** in the New York Derby at Finger Lakes, keeping his schedule packed through the weekend.

The return of five suspended jockeys, led by Irad Ortiz Jr, reshapes the competitive landscape at Saratoga. Trainers now have a broader pool of top‑level riders, which could influence betting patterns and race outcomes. The added talent also raises the overall quality of the meet, offering fans more compelling match‑ups.

Hal Mintz of Hit the Bid Racing announced that **Italian Soiree** scratched from the Grade II Caress after trainer Graham Motion noted the filly wasn’t “quite herself.” Meanwhile, **Soaring High**, a daughter of Hall of Famer **Songbird**, won the fifth race on Thursday under Jose Ortiz, improving to 2‑1‑0 from four starts.

If Ortiz can convert his seven Saratoga rides into multiple wins, he’ll likely reclaim the meet title from his brother. The rider’s ability to bounce back after a suspension will be measured by how many of those mounts finish in the money, especially in high‑profile stakes.

Irad Ortiz Jr’s return on June 5 marks a pivotal moment in the Saratoga meet. With a packed schedule at Indianapolis, Saratoga, and Finger Lakes, the jockey has every opportunity to extend his winning streak and solidify his status as the meet’s leading rider.