The Ortiz Brothers Set to Clash Again in the Belmont Stakes
At 0h03, on June 3, 2026 • By Laurent Sauvé
Jockeys Irad Ortiz Jr. and Jose Ortiz were born in Trujillo Alto and grew up in a family deeply connected to horse racing. Their grandfather, Irad Ortiz, and their uncle, Ivan Ortiz, were both respected jockeys.
Irad Jr. and Jose attended the same jockey school in Puerto Rico before emerging as two of the top riders in North America.
Thirty-three-year-old Irad Ortiz Jr. has been one of the leading jockeys on the New York Thoroughbred circuit since 2012. He has amassed 4,571 career victories, while his younger brother Jose, 18 months his junior, has compiled 3,593 wins of his own.
Irad Jr. will ride the 2-1 morning-line favorite Renegade in the Belmont Stakes, while Jose will be aboard the 9-2 third betting choice Golden Tempo.
During the Kentucky Derby on May 2, the two jockeys became the first brothers in the storied race’s history to finish first and second. Jose won aboard Golden Tempo, while Irad finished second with Renegade.
The brothers’ rivalry is well known throughout the racing world. But despite competing fiercely on the track, they continue to support each other as brothers. Following the Derby, Jose had kind words for his sibling.
“I want him to win the Derby, of course. I know it’s his dream too, but this time things went my way. I think he can still be proud because his horse ran a great race.”
Even though he was beaten by a neck, Irad Jr. acknowledged both the winner’s performance and his brother’s achievement.
Beyond their on-track rivalry, the two brothers are especially proud to share such a historic accomplishment together. Who knows? Perhaps a similar milestone awaits them again in Saturday’s Belmont Stakes.
