Jose Ortiz and his older brother, Irad Ortiz Jr., were recognized by Puerto Rican Governor Jenniffer González-Colón at a ceremony on May 12.
The brothers were honored for their one-two finish in the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby, where Jose and Golden Tempo defeated Irad and Renegade by a neck on May 2. It was the first Kentucky Derby victory for either brother, and Irad’s best finish from 10 starts.
Governor Gonzalez-Colon wrote on Facebook (translated from Spanish): “Today we recognized José L. Ortiz for winning the 152nd edition of the Kentucky Derby aboard Golden Tempo, a victory he dedicated to the memory of his grandfather, fellow jockey Irad Ortiz Adorno. We also recognized his brother, Irad Ortiz Jr., for achieving a historic second-place finish aboard Renegade, with the two brothers together delivering a historic finish for Puerto Rico in one of the most prestigious horse racing competitions in the world.
“Puerto Rico is proud of the talent, discipline, and legacy of the Ortiz brothers, who continue to elevate the name of our island before the world.”
Both of the Ortiz brothers attended the Escuela Vocacional Hipica jockey school in Puerto Rico. Irad began riding stateside in 2011, with his younger brother following him in 2012.
Both brothers will compete in the Preakness, albeit on different mounts. Jose will ride Chip Honcho for trainer Steve Asmussen, and Irad will be aboard Danny Gargan-trained Talkin.
This story was originally published by Paulick Report on May 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
