Irad Ortiz Jr. Builds a $4.5 Million Sanctuary for Retired Racehorses, Hoping to Change the Sport Forever

In a move that has stunned the racing community and captured the hearts of animal lovers worldwide, champion jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. has announced the creation of a groundbreaking project called “Old Friends”—a sprawling 20-acre sanctuary near Saratoga Springs dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of retired racehorses. With a personal investment of $4.5 million, Ortiz isn’t just building a facility—he’s launching a mission to reshape the way the industry treats its equine athletes after their careers end.

“Old Friends” is not just a shelter or retirement farm. According to Ortiz, it will serve as a rehabilitation and recovery center for horses that have given their best years to the sport but were often forgotten once their winning days were over. The facility is designed with the horses’ well-being as the top priority. It will feature a therapeutic swimming pool, joint recovery programs, veterinary care available 24/7, and lush green paddocks where horses can finally relax away from the pressures of competition.

Ortiz shared his vision openly: “This is about more than just saving horses. It’s about changing the mindset of the racing community. We need to remember that these animals are not machines—they’re partners. They deserve respect not just when they’re winning, but when they’ve given everything and need us most.”

For years, the fate of retired racehorses has been a sensitive topic within the industry. Many horses, especially those that are injured or no longer profitable, end up neglected, sold into uncertain futures, or worse. By establishing “Old Friends,” Ortiz hopes to set a new standard—one that prioritizes responsible aftercare and challenges others in the industry to follow suit.

The name “Old Friends” carries special meaning. It symbolizes both the bond between jockey and horse and the promise of providing a safe, dignified life for these animals once their racing careers conclude. Ortiz said he was inspired by the countless horses he’s ridden over the years, especially those who suffered injuries or simply aged out of the spotlight. “They’ve been my teammates,” he explained. “When the crowd is cheering, they’re the ones carrying me across the finish line. I owe them this.”

Ortiz’s decision to personally fund the project—without relying on corporate sponsors or public donations—has also turned heads. In an era where many athletes build charities for publicity, his private investment reflects deep personal commitment. Close friends say he’s been planning this for years but waited until he could do it exactly the way he envisioned.

The Saratoga racing community has responded with overwhelming support. Several trainers and owners have already pledged to send horses to Old Friends when their careers end. Fans, meanwhile, have flooded social media with praise, calling Ortiz’s project “the most meaningful contribution to racing in years.”

Irad Ortiz Jr. hopes “Old Friends” will become a national model, inspiring not just other jockeys, but owners, breeders, and fans to think differently about the life cycle of a racehorse. He dreams of a day when no horse is discarded after its final race but instead transitions into a retirement of care, compassion, and community.

As construction moves forward, Ortiz continues to race—still chasing victories on the track—but his legacy may now be defined by what he’s building off of it.