Overview
- Ortiz was injured when his mount, And The Runner Is, became fractious and bolted in the post parade, and replay showed the horse move toward the outside rail as Ortiz’s left leg appeared to hit the rail; he was taken to Saratoga Hospital for evaluation.
- The New York Racing Association confirmed Ortiz would miss the remainder of the Saturday card and And The Runner Is was scratched from Race 8.
- Connections immediately reassigned his mounts for major races, naming Micah Husbands to ride White Abarrio in the Whitney and Manny Franco to replace Ortiz on Rhetorical in the Fourstardave, with other jockey swaps across the card.
- Ortiz’s agent, Steve Rushing, confirmed by text that Ortiz would be off his mounts for Sunday’s Saratoga card and officials have not released definitive medical findings or a timeline for his return.
- Ortiz is a seven‑time Saratoga riding champion who recently matched a single‑day Saratoga wins record, and his absence alters jockey standings, betting pools and the competitive picture for high‑profile summer stakes.