Jockey Jose Ortiz Injured at Saratoga

Jockey Jose Ortiz was unseated by his mount Same Old Fears  at the finish line of the first race at Saratoga Race Course July 21. Ortiz, who entered the day in second place in the rider standings with eight winners, was attended to in the grassy area next to the finish line for several minutes.

He rose and walked under his own power—albeit unsteadily—to an ambulance on the main track and was taken to Albany Medical Center about 30 miles away. He was holding his right side.

Same Old Fears, trained by Wesley Ward, went to the ground and did get up. The 2-year-old filly was caught by an outrider and appeared to be unhurt. However, she was vanned off.

Ortiz was taken off his remaining mounts on the July 21 card. 

Same Old Fears was awarded fourth place in the race, which was originally carded for 5 1/2 furlongs on the Mellon Turf Course but was moved to the main track at the same distance.

This story may be updated.