Saratoga Report: Irad Ortiz Jr.’s Sunday Highlights - August 31, 2025

Irad Ortiz Jr. enjoyed a busy and dramatic Sunday at Saratoga Race Course, finishing second in the opening race, securing a victory in Race 3, and experiencing a fall early in the prestigious Jockey Club Gold Cup.

Endorse Places Second in Race 1 In Race 1, a one-mile maiden special weight for three-year-olds and upward on a fast dirt track, Ortiz piloted Endorse to a runner-up finish behind Ivory and Ebony. Endorse returned $2.80 to place, crossing the wire in 1:38.15 for the 1 mile contest. The exacta (7-3) paid $8.20.

Dilger Triumphs in Race 3 Ortiz rebounded in Race 3, a one-mile dirt event for three-year-olds and upward, guiding Dilger to victory as the 4/1 third choice. Dilger captured the $72,450 purse for owners Michael J. Ryan et al., completing the distance under fast conditions.

Unseated in Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes In the Grade I Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (1 m 2 f, $630,000), Ortiz fell from Mindframe shortly after the start when traffic tightened at the rail. Mindframe was safely corralled by outriders, and Ortiz was attended to without serious injury. The race was won by Antiquarian, with Sierra Leone runner-up and Highland Falls promoted to third following a stewards’ inquiry.

Ortiz’s Sunday at Saratoga showcased both his skill-finishing first and second in early races-and the inherent risks of top-level Thoroughbred competition in the Gold Cup.