Who Is José Ortiz (jockey)? Age, Biography and Wiki
José Ortiz was born on October 2, 1993, in the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. As of 2025, he is 31 years old. Known for his exceptional skills on the racetrack, Ortiz has established himself as one of the leading jockeys in the United States. He began his professional career in 2011 and has rapidly ascended the ranks, earning numerous accolades and a dedicated fan base. Ortiz's journey is a testament to his passion and hard work in an intensely competitive field.
| Occupation | Other |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 2, 1993 |
| Age | 32 Years |
| Birth Place | Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | Puerto Rico |
Popularity
José Ortiz (jockey)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
José Ortiz stands approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, making him well-suited for the demands of professional horse racing. He maintains a weight of around 115-120 pounds, which is essential for successful jockeying. Rigorous training and fitness regimens help him keep his body in peak condition, enabling him to perform at the highest level throughout the racing season.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, José Ortiz has a close-knit family that has been supportive of his career from the very beginning. While details about his dating life have often been kept private, it has been reported that he is currently in a relationship, although specifics regarding his girlfriend remain largely under wraps. Ortiz prefers to focus on his career and often shy away from the spotlight regarding his personal relationships, showcasing his commitment to maintaining a balance between his work and private life.
In 2013, he won 224 races including his first Grade I victory in the Hopeful Stakes with Strong Mandate. For the next two years, he maintained a consistent level of success with 234 wins in 2014 and 244 wins in 2015. In 2016 he had a breakthrough year with 351 wins, which Ortiz attributed to increased experience.
Trainer Linda Rice, who is the aunt of Ortiz's wife, concurred. "He’s always been a very good speed rider but in the last year and a half, he’s not one dimensional," she said. "He’s a top rider period. He sees the race well. He’s extremely athletic and puts his horses in good position.
He makes very few mistakes." Ortiz is known for his soft hands and ability to get horses to relax.
Net Worth and Salary
José Ortiz’s success on the racetrack has translated into substantial financial success. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around $5 million, derived from his earnings as a jockey, endorsements, and occasional appearances. His salary varies depending on his race winnings, but Ortiz typically earns a significant portion through riding fees and a percentage of the purse money from the races in which he competes.
José L. Ortiz (born October 2, 1993) is a Puerto Rican jockey who has been a rider on the New York Thoroughbred horse racing circuit since 2012. In 2016, he was the leading jockey in North America by number of wins, including his first win at the Breeders' Cup.
In 2017, he earned the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey after he led the earnings list and won his first Triple Crown race, the 2017 Belmont Stakes. In 2019, he won the Kentucky Oaks. In 2022, he won the Preakness Stakes, his second Triple Crown race win.
Career, Business and Investments
Since his debut, José Ortiz has become one of the top jockeys in thoroughbred racing, frequently competing at prestigious tracks across the United States. Ortiz's achievements include multiple graded stakes wins and prestigious titles, showcasing his talent and determination.
In addition to his racing career, Ortiz has invested in several equestrian-related businesses, including partnerships with training facilities and horse breeding operations. His business acumen off the racetrack further solidifies his status as a prominent figure in the horse racing community.
Social Network
José Ortiz maintains an active presence on social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter. He often shares insights into his life as a jockey, including training routines, race preparations, and moments with friends and family. His engaging posts keep his followers updated on his career while giving a glimpse into his personality outside of racing.
His grandfather, also named Irad Ortiz, was a jockey, as was uncle, Ivan Ortiz. He and his older brother, Irad Ortiz Jr., became interested in the sport from a young age, encouraged by family friend Efraim "Pito" Rosa and mentored by Hall of Fame rider Ángel Cordero Jr.
Ortiz attended Puerto Rico's Escuela Vocacional Hípica, a school for prospective jockeys, then moved to the United States in 2012 to join Irad, who had already become a leading jockey. When Ortiz followed suit by becoming one of the leading apprentice jockeys of 2012, the two brothers quickly attracted attention.
"They're doing this in New York – the Mecca of racing – two riders fighting for the title," said Pito in early 2013. "I don't remember ever seeing two brothers do that." The brothers are highly competitive with each other, even when playing basketball or baseball or video games such as Gallop Racer. "That's just what we do," Ortiz said.
"We've always competed, trying to beat each other. It's still fun. We're still very close. We share the same corner in the jockey's room in New York and when we get done racing, he usually stops by my house, just about every day."
Education
While specific details about José Ortiz's formal education remain private, it is known that his education was closely tied to his passion for horses and racing from a young age. Growing up in a family involved in the racing industry, Ortiz honed his skills primarily through experience and mentorship rather than traditional academic routes.
