💥 Irad Ortiz Jr. SHOCKS AMERICA: ‘Pride Month is a media FRAUD’ — BLAMES ‘WOKE’ agenda is a distraction and not worthy of commemoration

In a statement that has sent shockwaves through both the horse racing world and the broader American sports community, champion jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. has broken his silence with one of the most controversial declarations of his career. During what was supposed to be a routine post-race interview at Belmont Park, Ortiz stunned fans, reporters, and fellow athletes alike by openly criticizing Pride Month, labeling it “a media fraud” and calling out what he described as a manufactured ‘woke’ agenda designed to distract the public from more important issues facing the country.

The reaction was immediate, explosive, and deeply polarizing. For years, Ortiz has been known primarily for his dominance on the racetrack, with multiple Eclipse Awards, Breeders’ Cup wins, and a reputation as one of the most disciplined athletes in the sport. Rarely did he venture into social commentary, choosing instead to let his achievements in the saddle do the talking. That’s why his remarks have hit so hard: nobody saw this coming, least of all during the festive and widely celebrated Belmont Stakes meet where unity and pride are usually at the forefront of the spectacle.

“I’m not here to sell agendas,” Ortiz reportedly said, his tone calm but cutting. “This is horse racing. This is sport. Pride Month, for me, is just another media fraud. They sell it for ratings, for social points, but it’s not why I’m here. It’s not why these horses are here. I respect people’s choices, but this month has been hijacked by people who don’t care about the actual LGBTQ community. It’s a marketing tool, nothing else.”

His statement instantly ignited a wildfire of reactions across social media. Some hailed his words as brave, labeling him “the last real sportsman” unafraid to challenge corporate narratives. Conservative commentators quickly seized on Ortiz’s stance, using it to highlight what they claim is growing resentment among athletes against forced political messaging in sports. Memes of Ortiz’s image with phrases like “No Woke Jockeys Here” began circulating within hours.

However, others expressed outrage and disappointment, calling his comments “ignorant,” “harmful,” and “disrespectful” to LGBTQ athletes and fans. Prominent figures in both the horse racing community and broader sports culture criticized Ortiz for what they called a reckless misuse of his platform. “We need unity, not division,” one fellow jockey said anonymously. “There’s a time and place for personal views, and dumping this during Belmont is a slap in the face to everyone celebrating inclusion this month.”

Sponsors, notably some with strong pro-diversity initiatives, have already begun to distance themselves, with whispers that major partnerships with Ortiz could be in jeopardy. Belmont Park’s administration released a short statement emphasizing that Ortiz’s views were his own and do not reflect the values of the racing organization or its affiliates.

Ortiz himself has remained largely silent since the comments went viral, issuing no apologies and refusing to backtrack despite mounting backlash. His camp insists that he simply spoke “his truth” and stands by his belief that sports should remain free from political or social campaigns, regardless of their intent or popularity.

As Pride Month continues, the name Irad Ortiz Jr. will now be mentioned not only for his elite racing talent but also as the center of a national conversation about free speech, responsibility, and the uneasy intersection of sports and politics. Whether his racing career will suffer long-term consequences remains to be seen, but what’s certain is that Ortiz has thrown himself into a storm far greater than any sprint or stakes race he’s ever run.