SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. earned his 1,000th career victory when Frosty Margarita rallied Monday to win the opener at Saratoga Race Course by 1 1/2 lengths.
According to Equibase, Ortiz's totals include races won in the United States, Canada and his native Puerto Rico, where he rode 85 winners. Trained by Rudy Rodriguez, 2-year-old filly Frosty Margarita ran 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:17.03 and paid $4, $2.60 and $2.10 as the even-money favorite.
Ortiz, 23, entered Monday's nine-race card leading all riders at Saratoga with 43 victories, six more than two-time defending meet champion Javier Castellano. He was second with nearly $2.9 million in purse earnings. On Aug. 16, Ortiz became the first jockey in nearly two years to ride five winners on a single card.
