Irad Ortiz, Jr. has decided not to appeal his suspension for his ride on Goodnight Olive at the Breeders’ Cup.
‣ Irad Ortiz, Jr. has dropped his appeal of a three-day suspension for his ride on Goodnight Olive at the Breeders’ Cup
‣ Ortiz will serve his suspension days on Nov. 24-26 according to a California Horse Racing Board ruling issued on Friday.
Irad Ortiz, Jr. has made the decision to drop his appeal of the three-day suspension he was given for his ride on Goodnight Olive at the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. The suspension was issued due to “failure to maintain a straight course in the stretch and causing interference” during the race. Despite his decision to drop the appeal, the controversy surrounding the incident has left many in the horse racing community questioning the stewards’ decision.
The suspension was issued following Goodnight Olive’s successful defense of her title at the GI Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint on November 4th at Santa Anita Park. Despite the victory, Ortiz’s ride came under scrutiny for drifting in and causing interference with another horse. Interestingly, there was no stewards’ inquiry posted after the win, leading to confusion and debate within the racing community.
Ortiz, who is currently North America’s leading jockey in both victories and purse earnings for 2023, will serve his suspension from November 24th to 26th in accordance with the ruling issued by the California Horse Racing Board. The decision to drop the appeal has sparked conversation and debate among fans, as many question the fairness and consistency of the stewards’ rulings in horse racing.
The controversy surrounding Irad Ortiz, Jr.’s suspension highlights the ongoing debate about stewards’ decisions in horse racing. The lack of consistency and transparency in these decisions leaves room for interpretation and discussion within the racing community. As the sport continues to evolve, it is crucial for stakeholders to address and resolve these issues to ensure the fairness and integrity of horse racing moving forward.
