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Justify Returns to the Track
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By Wandering Eyes · Posted
One of the more meaningful aspects of Saratoga's summer meet is how it brings people together. Whether they're new faces on the scene or returning regulars of the historic venue, they all seem to share the same passion for the Thoroughbred racehorse. It's a place that brings prestige to all who ride, work and walk upon its grounds, felt during the mornings spent on the Oklahoma training track, to the steps taken across Union Avenue, and the palpable excitement that flows throughout the paddock and winner's circle on race day. And in the case of 16-year-old exercise rider Yomar Ortiz Jr., there was no greater honor than having spent his first summer on the Saratoga backstretch. When the young rider was called up to ride out for Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey earlier this summer, it wasn't a thought to reply 'yes' or 'no,' but simply 'when do you need me?' The opportunity served as a testament not only to the steps Ortiz Jr. was taking to fulfill his dream of one day becoming a professional jockey, but also a justification of the progress he'd already made in pursuit of that dream. It's a dream his father, Yomar Ortiz, knows well. Originally from Puerto Rico, where Ortiz Jr. was born, Yomar Ortiz attended Escuela Vocacional Hípica (EVH), the jockey school located at the island's racetrack, Hipódromo Camarero, before making his way stateside to begin his career as a jockey. Since 2012, Yomar Ortiz has established himself as a multiple stakes-winning jockey in the Mid-Atlantic region with just over 4,700 career starts and $13,643,517 in career earnings. Now, Ortiz Jr. is following in his father's footsteps. Yomar Ortiz Jr. with Dark Assault | Sara Gordon “My dad started at Gulfstream, moved his way to Delaware, and then he ended up in Maryland. And that's how I ended up there. I met a lot of people in Maryland because of my dad and I've learned so much from all of them. Maryland has been a big help to me,” said Ortiz Jr. It started with U.S. Pony Racing, under the guidance of Regina Welsh and later on, Betty McCue, as he progressed from leadline trot races to riding races on his own by the age of 12. “I remember my first time riding in a clinic, before the Timonium pony races. I don't think I had ever galloped [before] and ended up falling off five times that day. I've come a long way, that's for sure,” said Ortiz Jr. “Betty helped me a lot. She taught me how to ride and she's opened a lot of doors for me. It's been very important to have her in my life and she's been a great supporter the whole time. I'm very, very thankful for that.” This past winter, Ortiz Jr. spent two months in Puerto Rico as he attended the same jockey school that his father once did. Yet, when February 2, date of his 16th birthday, came around, Ortiz Jr. was stateside and applying for his exercise rider's license. Following that, he galloped for trainers Suzanne Stettinius, Justin Nixon, Rodolfo Sanchez-Salomon, and breezed a handful of horses for Brittany Russell before he received a call from Anthony Hamilton Jr., McGaughey's assistant trainer. “Anthony called me and said they were looking for a rider, and that's an opportunity you can't turn down, especially at my young age. It was something big for me. So, the Monday after the Preakness, I went up to New York,” said Ortiz Jr. “I remember the first morning I rode for Shug, Anthony told me, 'Kid, I hope you can ride.' I was nervous that day, but it has all worked out. I'm very grateful to have great people by my side, supporting me always. Shug's given me a big opportunity.” For Ortiz Jr., the caliber of horses he's had the privilege to ride, as well as the top-class horsemen and jockeys he's gotten to work with, have provided a learning experience that is second to none. Yomar Ortiz Jr. during training hours | Sara Gordon “I remember the first week up here I was going to breeze [one] on the turf and when I looked at the setlist, I saw Johnny [Velazquez] was breezing with me. I was so nervous that I was running up and down the shedrow all morning. But it was a good [experience], I've learned a lot,” said Ortiz Jr. “I've breezed with Joel Rosario, Luis Saez, and Katie Davis. Jose Ortiz has also helped me a lot. He came out of the jockey school with my dad, so we've always been close. And I've worked some horses for [trainer] Joe Sharp here on the turf. “It's great because I'm getting to learn from the best. But not just from the jockeys, but all of the people back here, including the [jockey] agents, exercise riders, and the grooms. They've all given me a hand and I'm very thankful for that.” Though he's ridden a variety of horses, a handful have left their mark on Ortiz Jr.'s heart, namely a pair of up-and-comers: 2-year-old filly Keto Drink (Twirling Candy) and 2-year-old colt Dark Assault (Violence). “Keto [Drink] is very important to me. The first week I was here I rode her and I worked with her to get her through a lot of things. She was a filly that I was able to show the way to. In her first race up here, she didn't break out of the gate well, but she came with this big run and got up for third. It was special [to watch],” said Ortiz Jr. “Dark Assault has been very good to me and I think he's a very talented horse, that's why I like him so much. “It's the bond you build with these beautiful creatures. When you come in the morning, walk in the barn and get to see that one horse you like…It's always been the bond you grow with the horses that you help develop that's always been something very heartwarming for me. Something with this sport is working with the horses and getting to see them run, rooting for them, it makes you want to work harder.” Since graduating from high school early, Ortiz Jr. plans to spend time learning and expanding his skillset as an exercise rider before officially pursuing a career as a professional jockey. Yomar Ortiz Jr. working horses at the Spa | Sara Gordon “I'm going to keep working for Shug. I'm 16, so I want to wait at least two more winters. Waiting will help me a lot and I'll learn more in the process,” said Ortiz Jr. “Right now, it's so far away, that I just say I'll go where the horses take me and wherever I get a good opportunity.” It's only fitting that this young man, who rides with natural talent and speaks with graciousness, takes the next step in his career at a track where so many greats did the same in decades past. “I'll always be grateful for everything that everybody in Maryland did for me. My dad has helped me and taught me a lot. I know that Maryland is a great place to start,” said Ortiz Jr. “I never thought when I turned 16 that I would get a call to come work for a Hall of Fame trainer, you know? It means a lot.” Remember the name: Yomar Ortiz Jr. The post A Saratoga Summer To Remember For 16-Year-Old Yomar Ortiz Jr. appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article -
By Wandering Eyes · Posted
Racing begins at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh on October 16, the first of 50 meetings before the February 14, 2026 $20-million G1 Saudi Cup concludes the season, the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday. The schedule change was made to accommodate the Holy Month of Ramadan, which falls around February 28. The seventh running of the Saudi Cup coincides with the 41st Asian Racing Conference, titled 'Honouring Tradition – Shaping The Future', which takes place in the country from February 9 and closes at The Saudi Cup. The International Jockeys' Challenge (IJC) is set for February 13. Nine-races will be held the following day as the Saudi Cup enters its seventh year with the G2 Neom Turf Cup, G2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint and the G2 Red Sea Turf Handicap offering a host of opportunities. Racing will take place Thursday-Saturday with 12-race cards each day until the finale. The Saudi Cup trials weekend will take place on January 16-17, featuring The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup and King Abdulaziz Cups. Qualifiers for The Neom Turf Cup, 1351 Turf Sprint, Red Sea Turf Handicap, Riyadh Dirt Sprint and the G1 Obaiyah Classic and G1 Al-Mneefah Cup will also be held over those two days. The post Saudi Arabian Racing Returns To Riyadh In October, Seasonal Schedule Revealed appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article -
By Wandering Eyes · Posted
Monday, Fairyhouse, post time: 17:45, BALLYHANE BLENHEIM STAKES-Listed, €27,000, 2yo, 6fT Field: Charles Fort (GB) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), Chicago Call (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Fresh Fade (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), Howd'yadoit (Ire) (Nando Parrado {GB}), Morehampton (Ire) (Sea The Moon {Ger}), Nuevo Slovo (Ire) (James Garfield {Ire}), Sir Alfie (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Slaudeen (GB) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Tertre Rouge (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Alibah (Ire) (Galileo Gold {GB}), Dawn Romance (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Treasured Royal (Ire) (Nando Parrado {GB}), Yaupon De Replay (Yaupon). TDN Analysis: Ballydoyle's Charles Fort was off the mark at the fourth attempt in style switched back to this trip at Cork and could be ready to take off now. The Ballyhane winner Howd'yadoit could still be improving, while it is possibly significant that Joseph O'Brien is dropping the Gowran Park maiden winner Alibah back from seven. [Tom Frary]. Click here for the complete field. The post Black-Type Analysis: Blenheim Full Of Intrigue appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article -
By Wandering Eyes · Posted
There is joy in Central Kentucky as the Keeneland September Yearling sale surpassed $500 million in revenue for the first time. And I don't mean just by breeders, consignors, agents, and veterinarians. In short order, the ultimate trickle down will commence. Imagine these discussions in the coming weeks at area horse farms: “You know that truck we have been needing to replace …” “You know that mower we keep repairing …” “You know how we have been wanting to purchase a new tractor …” “You know how we have spoken about replacing some fencing …” “You know that new computer system our IT guy says we need …” “You know how we have been putting off hiring a few new people …” So, what transpired in the Keeneland Sales Pavilion the last two weeks not only affects the lives of farm owners and employees but many, many others. It can affect not just the owner of the tractor dealership or paint store, but his employees and their families. Which also trickles down. The employees now have more to spend at local businesses, restaurants, etc. There also are smiles in the boardrooms of any institution that does equine lending. Loans are repaid quicker and new notes and lines of credit care established based on the strength of the industry. That also works hand-in-hand to trickle down. The man who owns the fencing company needs a loan to buy more product because more farms are calling. There would be only one thing that could burst this perfect scenario. That would be the wholesale increasing of stud fees because of the strong sale results. We should always remember that while the sale ring represents a single moment's appraisal of a horse's worth, it is on the racetrack that the real value is seen and established. And, while the past two weeks has been about selling horses, the ultimate goal is to breed winners on the racetrack. Keeping stud fees level–allowing everyone to now focus on what should be a robust mare selling season–is a huge win for everyone. Not just breeders … but the entire Central Kentucky community. Take the win, and move on. The post Letter To the Editor: Level Stud Fees Will Be A Huge Win For Everyone appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article -
By Wandering Eyes · Posted
Record-breaking Tattersalls Horses In Training Sale buy Sir Delius announced himself as a spring staying force with a win in the Sept. 20 Underwood Stakes (G1), supplying Juddmonte Farms' Frankel with his 40th group 1 winner in the process. View the full article
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