US RACING: Six-timer for Irad Ortiz Jr at Gulfstream Park

Two-time defending Championship Meet titlist Irad Ortiz Jr rode six winners on Saturday’s 12-race programme at Gulfstream Park.

After notching a natural hat-trick with victories aboard Hard Game in race 2, Noble Empire in race 3 and Bourbon in May in race 4, Ortiz scored aboard Great Island in race 6, the US$100,000 Suwannee River, Democracy in race 7, and R Mercedes Boy in race 9.

Ortiz has ridden a meet-leading 76 winners, 16 more than Luis Saez.

“You never think that you’re going to win that many races, but you come here positive,” Ortiz said. “You try to win every race. I ride all my horses with the same mind. I try to win, no matter what. I think that helps. I got the right horses, too. My agent does a great job, and all the trainers support me. They give me a lot of good chances, and the owners. Right now, we’re in a good position, thank God. I’m glad. I feel great.

“It’s pretty great. You don’t have too many days like this, so I just enjoy it. For me, honestly, I go home and it’s just another day. Tomorrow everybody will forget what happened today. I just move on. I celebrate the way I want to; I go home with my family. That’s it, and tomorrow is a new day.”

The record for most wins on a Gulfstream programme is seven, shared by Jerry Bailey (3/11/96), Tyler Gaffalione (7/4/17), Luis Saez (1/24/18 and 3/29/18) and Paco Lopez (3/21/20).