Horse racing fans at Saratoga Race Course witnessed a jaw-dropping moment during Sunday’s $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) when a jockey dramatically lost control—and the footage quickly went viral.
What was supposed to be an intense battle on the track turned into a scene of chaos that left spectators holding their breath.
Jockey Tries the Unthinkable
The center of the storm was Irad Ortiz Jr., riding Mindframe, the 9-5 second favorite.
Just moments after the race began, Ortiz was thrown from his saddle in a sudden and shocking fall.
In an unbelievable twist, he attempted to climb onto a rival horse before tumbling to the ground, leaving fellow jockeys and spectators stunned.
Multiple horses nearly trampled him in the split seconds that followed, amplifying the drama on the track.
Immediate Medical Attention
Ortiz was quickly attended to by on-site medical personnel before being transported to Albany Medical Center.
Reports indicated that he remained alert despite suffering pain in his ribs and left hand.
He was also being evaluated for potential head or neck injuries, highlighting the serious nature of the accident.
The Race Moves On
Even amid the turmoil, the race continued. Ortiz’s stablemate, Antiquarian, mounted by John Velazquez, surged ahead to victory, winning by 1.5 lengths.
This impressive performance secured Antiquarian a spot in this year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar, giving fans something positive to celebrate despite the earlier chaos.
Controversy Over the Incident
Some observers speculated that Kendrick Carmouche, riding Phileas Fogg, may have contributed to the incident.
After the race, Carmouche addressed the rumors, saying:
“I thought I was clear. I came over a little, but then Dylan [Davis, on Contrary Thinking] went more.
I don’t think I had anything to do with it.”
His statement seemed to clarify the situation, though the footage left many viewers debating what exactly caused the early chaos.
Fans Rally Around Ortiz
The shocking clip quickly spread across social media, with fans expressing concern and support for Ortiz.
The jockey’s resilience and quick thinking under pressure became a focal point, even amid one of the most unusual moments in recent horse racing history.
