Irad Ortiz Jr and his brother Jose Ortiz, both prominent horse racing jockeys, are facing scrutiny after being linked to illegal cockfighting in Puerto Rico.
The Ortiz brothers, set to ride in the Preakness Stakes on May 16, were found to have photos on social media appearing to show them at cockfighting events.
## What happened?
The discovery was made by USA TODAY Sports, which found photos of the brothers at Club Gallistico de Naguabo, a cockfighting club in Puerto Rico, as recently as January 14, 2025.
The photos show Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz Jr holding what appear to be roosters while standing in the pit of a cockfighting arena.
## Why it matters for Irad Ortiz Jr
Irad Ortiz Jr, 33, and Jose Ortiz, 32, are among the top jockeys in horse racing, with a thrilling finish at the Kentucky Derby almost two weeks ago.
Their involvement in cockfighting, which is illegal in Puerto Rico since 2019, could lead to penalties, including up to five years in prison and a fine.
## What comes next?
The Ortiz brothers did not respond to requests for comment from USA TODAY Sports, submitted through their agent, Steve Rushing.
Attempts to reach Edwin Diaz, a three-time All-Star pitcher also linked to cockfighting, were unsuccessful.
The maximum penalty for participants in a cockfight is five years in prison and a fine, while spectators can face up to one year in prison and a fine.
Irad Ortiz Jr and Jose Ortiz are scheduled to ride in the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, on May 16.
The discovery of their alleged involvement in cockfighting has raised questions about their participation in the event.
As of March 10, El Nuevo Día, the largest circulating newspaper in Puerto Rico, published a story with a photo showing Edwin Diaz standing in the pit of a cockfighting arena.
Diaz, who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers, was quoted as saying, "It’s a pastime I’ve followed since I was a child. It’s legal in Puerto Rico, thank God. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here."
However, cockfighting has been illegal in Puerto Rico since 2019, with a federal ban taking effect in all 50 states and U.S. territories.
The Ortiz brothers' agent, Steve Rushing, did not respond to requests for comment.
The Dodgers and THE TEAM, an agency that represents Diaz, also did not respond to requests for comment.
A representative with MLB declined to comment when contacted by USA TODAY Sports.