Ortiz Cleared to Ride Questing in Alabama

Updated: Saturday, August 18, 2012 6:32 PM
Posted: Friday, August 17, 2012 4:50 PM

Photo: Coglianese Photos

Irad Ortiz, Jr.

Irad Ortiz Jr. was released from Saratoga Hospital the afternoon of Aug. 17 after X-rays were negative on his right ankle, according to the New York Racing Association's jockey advocate.

The 20-year-old Ortiz is cleared to ride the Aug. 18 card, during which he will attempt to win the prestigious $600,000 Alabama Stakes (gr. I) on Godolphin Racing's Questing, winner of the TVG Coaching Club American Oaks (gr. I) and second choice in the Alabama.

Ortiz injured his ankle in the starting gate prior to the start of the third race at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 17. His mount was the 3-year-old filly Corinzia, who was scratched from the race although uninjured.

The native of Puerto Rico entered the day's racing tied for ninth in the Saratoga jockey standings with nine wins, including his first two grade I scores—with Questing in the Coaching Club American Oaks and Poseidon's Warrior in the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap.

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