💥THE SHOCK HIT IRAD ORTIZ JR: Riding PUBLISHER for the first time, speaking with 6 words that made the riders panic before the KENTUCKY DERBY!
Irad Ortiz Jr., one of the most respected jockeys in the world, is about to take on a massive challenge at this year’s Kentucky Derby. The twist? He’ll be riding Publisher, a horse he’s never ridden before, but his confidence is unshakable. In a recent interview, Ortiz revealed six simple words that sent shockwaves through the racing community and made many of his fellow riders sit up in surprise.
As Derby Day approaches, the pressure is mounting for all jockeys, but Ortiz’s response to the intense scrutiny of riding an unfamiliar horse has left many wondering: Is he truly fearless, or is there a deeper strategy behind his calm demeanor?
“I’ve been watching all of Publisher’s races since day one,” Ortiz shared confidently. “I think he’s a really nice horse. He’s been running some tough races lately and has been showing up. He has the ability to belong in this race, and I think he can handle the mile and a quarter really well.” His words weren’t just casual remarks—they were a declaration of intent. Ortiz is known for his ability to make bold statements, but this one, in particular, caught the attention of fans and rivals alike.
It’s not the first time Ortiz has ridden a horse he’s never been on before, but the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Kentucky Derby is the pinnacle of horse racing, drawing the best jockeys and horses from all over the world. For Ortiz, winning this race has been a lifelong goal. Yet, riding a new horse in such a high-stakes event brings an entirely new set of challenges.
“You don’t always get the chance to ride a horse like Publisher before the big race,” Ortiz acknowledged. “But, that’s the reality we live in. We have to make it work. I believe in this horse’s potential.” It’s a sentiment that reflects his resilience and trust in his skills as a rider. Many in the racing world would have preferred more time to familiarize themselves with a horse before stepping into the Derby. But Ortiz, never one to shy away from a challenge, is ready to go full throttle.
His ideal race scenario? It’s simple. “I want to break clear of the pack, let Publisher settle where he’s comfortable, and then let him do his thing,” Ortiz explained. “From about the five and a half furlongs, he should start making his move, and I’ll let him take me from there.” This strategy shows that Ortiz is relying not only on Publisher’s strengths but also on his own experience to guide the horse through the complexities of a 20-horse field. The Kentucky Derby is notoriously unpredictable, and the crowded field makes every start a gamble. But Ortiz believes that if Publisher can find his rhythm early, the finish could be explosive.
But perhaps the most revealing part of his interview was when he was asked if he could imagine winning the Kentucky Derby. Ortiz’s response was humbling and grounded: “I don’t know how I’ll react if I cross the wire first. It’s a dream come true, and I’ve been working my whole life for this race. It’s hard to win, but it’s not impossible. We keep chasing, we keep working hard, and we’ll do our best.”
Those six words—“It’s hard to win, but it’s not impossible”—are the ones that sent shockwaves through the racing world. In a sport where only a few are fortunate enough to take home the coveted Derby trophy, Ortiz’s unwavering belief in the possibility of victory speaks volumes. While some jockeys may hesitate, uncertain of their odds when riding a horse they’re not familiar with, Ortiz sees nothing but potential in Publisher.
As Derby Day approaches, all eyes will be on Irad Ortiz Jr. and Publisher. The combination of experience, confidence, and calm under pressure could be exactly what is needed to overcome the fierce competition. The question remains: Will this bold move pay off, or will the pressure of riding an unfamiliar horse in the Kentucky Derby prove too much?
With everything on the line, the stakes have never been higher, and the world will be watching as Irad Ortiz Jr. looks to make history. The countdown to the Kentucky Derby has officially begun, and one thing is certain—Ortiz’s journey with Publisher will be one to remember
