THE FINAL GAMBLE: Irad Ortiz Jr. Declares “Victory or It’s Over” Ahead of His 7th Preakness Stakes

In a stunning twist that has shaken the horse racing world to its core, Irad Ortiz Jr. – one of the most decorated jockeys of his generation – has broken his silence ahead of the 2025 Preakness Stakes with a bold and emotional declaration: “It’s victory or it’s over.” With those words, the five-time Eclipse Award winner has not only reignited the spotlight on his already storied career, but also set the stage for what could be the most emotionally charged ride of his life.

Ortiz, often hailed as the king of American turf, has everything a jockey could dream of – except one thing: a Preakness Stakes title. Despite dominating in races across the country and holding an iron grip on the jockey standings for nearly a decade, the elusive second jewel of the Triple Crown has repeatedly slipped through his fingers. Six previous attempts have all ended in disappointment, leading some to whisper of a “Preakness curse” haunting even the most skilled hands in the sport. But this year, Ortiz is returning not just with a contender – he’s returning with a mission.

His mount for the 2025 Preakness, River Thames, is no underdog. With a string of powerful performances in recent months, the colt has emerged as one of the favorites heading into the big race. Yet even with a strong partner beneath him, Ortiz knows the stakes are far higher than ever before. During a rare, emotionally raw press conference, Ortiz shocked reporters and fans alike by announcing that if he fails to win this year, he may walk away from the sport altogether to spend more time with his family. “I’ve given this everything,” he said, his voice steady but heavy. “If I can’t conquer this mountain now, maybe it’s time to go home.”

His words have lit a fire under fans and analysts alike. Social media erupted following the announcement, with hashtags like #VictoryOrRetire and #Preakness7 flooding horse racing communities. Supporters have rallied behind Ortiz, with many calling for him to finally get the victory he so clearly deserves. Others, more skeptical, wonder if the pressure he’s placed on himself could be his undoing.

What’s undeniable is that Ortiz’s bold statement has transformed this year’s Preakness Stakes from just another high-stakes race into a defining moment in modern racing history. It’s not just about titles anymore. It’s about legacy. It’s about redemption. And it’s about a champion facing down the one race that continues to elude him with the career clock ticking louder than ever.

If he wins, it will be one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent memory, a triumphant ending to a long and frustrating chapter. If he loses, the sport could lose one of its brightest stars far sooner than anyone expected. Either way, all eyes will be on Pimlico this weekend, where the Crownless King will mount up for what may be his final battle – not just for a title, but for the closure every great champion seeks.

The countdown to Preakness 2025 has never felt more personal. And for Irad Ortiz Jr., it’s not just about finishing the race. It’s about ending it on his terms.