House to honor Derby-winner Ortiz, other island jockeys who competed.

Puerto Rican jockey José Luis Ortiz, riding the three-year-old Golden Tempo, at left, won the 152nd edition of the Kentucky Derby this past Saturday. (Facebook via The 812)

By THE STAR STAFF

The island House of Representatives on Monday announced it will pay tribute to Puerto Rican jockey José Luis Ortiz, who, riding the three-year-old Golden Tempo, won the 152nd edition of the Kentucky Derby this past Saturday.

The achievements of the other six jockeys from the island who participated in the race that forms the first leg of the Triple Crown -- Irad Ortiz, Manuel Franco, Edwin Maldonado, Jaime Torres, Christian Torres and John Velázquez -- will also be recognized.

The announcement was made by the House Speaker Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez, along with Rep. Pedro Julio “Pelle” Santiago and Recreation and Sports Committee Chairman Rep. Luis “Josean” Jiménez Torres.

“In the Puerto Rico House of Representatives, we celebrate the participation of seven Puerto Rican jockeys in one of the most important events in the world of horse racing, the 152nd edition of the Kentucky Derby,” the House speaker said. “This feat alone would be enough to warrant recognition, but we must also add that another Puerto Rican, José Luis Ortiz, took the coveted first place in the so-called ‘Race of Races.’ The passion, perseverance, dedication, and excellence of the seven Puerto Rican jockeys is a legacy that is reflected not only on the world stage of horse racing but also in the hearts of the public who celebrate them.”

Jaime  Torres, who until 2020 was a track and field athlete and has only four years of jockey experience, guided the horse Incredibolt to an unexpected sixth-place finish. U.S. Racing Hall of Famer Velázquez, riding Further Ado, earned an 11th-place finish in one of the most competitive Derbys in recent decades.

Christian Torres, who began his career six years ago and was participating in his first Kentucky Derby, rode Robusta to a 14th-place finish, followed by Franco, a Carolina resident who placed 15th aboard Albus, and Maldonado, participating in his first Derby and riding Pavlovian, finished in 18th place. Details of the recognition event will be announced in the coming days.