Irad Ortiz Jr, the seven-time leading rider at Saratoga, will make his seasonal debut at the Spa on Sunday.
He had to miss six racing days due to suspensions incurred from Saratoga last summer and Delaware Park last month.
What happened?
Irad Ortiz Jr was suspended for a whip violation after striking his mount, Don’t Be Salty, seven times in a starter allowance.
Why the suspension?
The suspension was handed down by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) for the whip violation, which occurred when Irad Ortiz Jr finished second.
What comes next?
On Saturday, Irad Ortiz Jr will be at Horseshoe Indianapolis, where he is scheduled to ride Leading Change in the Grade 3, $300,000 Indiana Derby and Prom Queen in the Grade 3, $200,000 Indiana Oaks.
Irad Ortiz Jr will ride other horses for trainer Brad Cox at Horseshoe Indianapolis.
He will then return to Saratoga on Sunday for his seasonal debut.
The suspensions were a result of incidents at Saratoga last summer and Delaware Park last month.
Irad Ortiz Jr had to miss the first four days of the Saratoga meet due to the suspensions.
On Friday, Irad Ortiz Jr is serving a one-day suspension for the whip violation.
He will be back in action on Saturday at Horseshoe Indianapolis.
Irad Ortiz Jr is a seven-time leading rider at Saratoga.
He has a strong record at the Spa and is expected to make a strong showing this season.
The Indiana Derby and Indiana Oaks are both Grade 3 races.
Irad Ortiz Jr will be riding Leading Change and Prom Queen, respectively, in these races.
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) handed down the suspension for the whip violation.
Irad Ortiz Jr was found to have struck his mount, Don’t Be Salty, seven times, one more than permitted.
Irad Ortiz Jr will be back at Saratoga on Sunday.
He is scheduled to ride several horses at the Spa and is expected to make a strong showing.
The seasonal debut of Irad Ortiz Jr at the Spa is highly anticipated.
He has a strong record at Saratoga and is expected to be a top contender this season.