Ortiz Out, Whitney Stakes in Flux | Albany News

Top jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. is sidelined for the rest of Whitney Day at Saratoga after a left ankle injury sustained when his mount acted up before the eighth race — forcing him to miss the prestigious Whitney Stakes and all other scheduled rides. Replacements have been lined up, with Dylan Davis stepping in for On Time Girl and Manny Franco taking over Rhetorical, though White Abarrio’s rider remains uncertain. The absence of Ortiz, one of racing’s elite, adds drama to a day already packed with top-tier talent like Magnitude, Sovereignty, and Nitrogen. Meanwhile, major changes loom for the Triple Crown: a new Thoroughbred Championship Series launching in 2027 will include the Derby and Belmont but skip the Preakness, while Maryland moves the Preakness up eight days — tightening the schedule. Despite the chaos, Whitney Day still promises thrilling action, culminating in the main event at 6:33 PM ET on Fox. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/689055f9b05ea428