José Ortiz (jockey)

A Family Affair on the Racetrack

Born in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, in 1993, José L. Ortiz wasn't just introduced to horse racing — he was practically born into it. His grandfather, Irad Ortiz Sr., was a jockey, as was his uncle, Ivan Ortiz. This deep family connection meant that the rhythm of the track and the thrill of the race were always a part of his life.

José and his older brother, Irad Ortiz Jr., quickly developed a passion for the sport. Encouraged by family friend Efraim 'Pito' Rosa and mentored by Hall of Fame rider Ángel Cordero Jr., they honed their skills from a young age. This upbringing not only instilled a love for racing but also ignited a formidable, lifelong rivalry.

From Puerto Rico to the Mecca of Racing

José refined his craft at Puerto Rico's Escuela Vocacional Hípica, a specialized school for aspiring jockeys. In 2012, he made the pivotal move to the United States, following his brother Irad Jr., who was already making a name for himself on the highly competitive New York racing circuit.

Their rapid rise was nothing short of extraordinary. Both brothers became leading apprentice jockeys almost immediately, attracting significant attention. As 'Pito' remarked in 2013, 'They're doing this in New York — the Mecca of racing — two riders fighting for the title. I don't remember ever seeing two brothers do that.'

Their competitive spirit extends beyond the track, permeating everything from basketball to video games. Yet, despite their fierce rivalry, a profound bond remains. 'We've always competed, trying to beat each other,' José once said. 'It's still fun. We're still very close. We share the same corner in the jockey's room in New York.'

Early Career and Rapid Ascent

José recorded his very first win in Puerto Rico on January 7, 2012, at Hipodromo Camarero. Just over two months later, he secured his first American victory on March 13 at Parx Casino and Racing. His career trajectory was steep, but not without its challenges.

Later that year, a severe fall resulted in multiple injuries, including a punctured lung. However, José's resilience shone through; he returned to racing in August and finished 2012 with an impressive 98 wins. The following year, 2013, saw him achieve his first Grade I victory in the Hopeful Stakes with Strong Mandate.

Breakthrough and Championship Form

2016 marked a true breakthrough year. On July 28, Ortiz celebrated his 1,000th career win aboard Moonlight Song at Saratoga. He went on to claim the prestigious Saratoga riding title with 65 wins and secured his first Breeders' Cup victory on Oscar Performance in the Juvenile Turf.

By the end of 2016, José was the leading jockey in North America by number of wins, securing his first New York Racing Association year-end title. Though he finished third for the Eclipse Award, he was proud to be among legends, stating, 'I'll keep working hard until I win it.' His hard work would soon pay off.

Trainer Linda Rice, who is also his wife's aunt, praised his evolution, saying, 'He's always been a very good speed rider, but in the last year and a half, he's not one-dimensional. He's a top rider period. He sees the race well. He's extremely athletic and puts his horses in good position. He makes very few mistakes.'

Triple Crown Glory and Eclipse Award

2017 proved to be his career-defining year. José earned his first win in a Triple Crown race, guiding Tapwrit to victory in the storied Belmont Stakes. He again dominated at Saratoga, highlighted by a win on Elate in the Alabama Stakes.

He continued his Breeders' Cup success, winning the Juvenile aboard Good Magic. By year-end, he was the leading jockey in the United States by earnings, a feat that earned him the coveted Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey. He had achieved his goal.

His success continued beyond 2017, demonstrating his consistent talent at the highest levels of the sport. In 2019, he captured the prestigious Kentucky Oaks, and in 2022, he added his second Triple Crown victory, winning the Preakness Stakes.

A Master of the Mount

José Ortiz is celebrated for his unique riding style, particularly his 'soft hands' — an intuitive ability to communicate with and relax a horse during a race. This skill allows him to conserve a horse's energy and make crucial strategic moves.

His exceptional athleticism and sharp race-reading capabilities ensure he consistently positions his mounts optimally. These qualities, combined with his unwavering competitive drive, have made him a perennial force in Thoroughbred racing.

Life Beyond the Track

Away from the high-stakes world of horse racing, José shares his life with fellow jockey Taylor Rice, whom he married on December 20, 2016. The couple welcomed their daughter, Leilani, in June 2017, adding another dimension to his fulfilling life.

A Consistent Top Performer

José Ortiz's remarkable consistency is evident in his year-end earnings rankings, showcasing his unwavering presence among the sport's elite for over a decade. He consistently ranks at the top, a testament to his skill and dedication.

Chart (2012–present)	Year-End Rank by earnings
National Earnings List for Jockeys 2012	91
National Earnings List for Jockeys 2013	11
National Earnings List for Jockeys 2014	5
National Earnings List for Jockeys 2015	4
National Earnings List for Jockeys 2016	3
National Earnings List for Jockeys 2017	1
National Earnings List for Jockeys 2018	2
National Earnings List for Jockeys 2019	2
National Earnings List for Jockeys 2020	7
National Earnings List for Jockeys 2021	4