July 25 started off just as most days do for jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., waking up early to work horses in the morning. Then, he traveled home, changed his clothes, and rode into Saratoga Race Course to prepare for a 12-race card.
He did not know it yet, but the 33-year-old Puerto Rican jockey was about to make history at one of racing's most legendary and historic venues. By the time the card came to a close, Ortiz had entered the winner's circle six times, tying the track's single-day record.
John Velazquez won six races on a single card Sept. 3, 2001, and Ramon Dominguez did it twice in 2012: July 22 and Sept. 2. Both riders are in the Hall of Fame, and upon hearing his name alongside theirs on a Saratoga record, Ortiz was in awe.
"They're the greatest. I can't be more happier than what I am right now," Ortiz said. "I am so happy, and I appreciate all the opportunities I've been given. Anything would not be possible without the help I've been getting since Day 1. I have to appreciate the trainers and the owners, and my agent (Steve Rushing), too."
Ortiz said he'd been excited for Saturday's card since the middle of the week, knowing he had plenty of live shots, including legitimate chances in both of the day's graded stakes. His handicapping proved correct as he swept both the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) with Counting Stars and the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Stakes (G2) with Built.
In addition, Ortiz won the second race aboard Power of Women, fifth race aboard Chambersville, sixth race aboard Wynstock, and 12th race aboard Leave Me.
"I have confidence in myself, that helps," Ortiz said. "When you start winning one, two, three, you start getting loose and everything works out for you and goes the right way out there for you. That's all you need."
As Ortiz rode into the winner's circle on Leave Me to close the day, track announcer Frank Mirahmadi relayed the accomplishment to the crowd and the fact he had tied a pair of Hall of Famers. Mirahmadi then made the statement that there is little doubt that the five-time Eclipse Award winner will one day be enshrined across the road in the Hall of Fame himself.
Ortiz said hearing those words gave him chills.
"That's the goal, to make it there," Ortiz said. "If we make it there, that would be great. I try to keep my feet on the ground and keep grinding, getting better, and do my best out there every single day. Hopefully, one day we'll make it there."
