Irad Ortiz, Jr. closed out the Aqueduct inner-track meet with a five-win day Sunday, while trainer Rudy Rodriguez and owner David Jacobson also proved uncatchable in their respective divisions.
The younger Ortiz entered Sunday's card with a 15-win lead over Manny Franco, and pulled further clear with a closing day hat trick. Ortiz, who collected his 11th NYRA riding title Sunday, rode a total of 76 winners from 281 mounts for a 27% win rate and earned $3.5 million in purses.
“I had a very good day,” said Ortiz. “I have to thank God as well as all the trainers and owners who give me an opportunity, also my agent who is also doing a great job. It's a great accomplishment. I've been fortunate to be put on a lot of winners by owners and trainers this meet. I do my work and they give me good chances with good horses so thanks to them.”
Franco held second with 56 winners from 332 mounts and Kendrick Carmouche was third with 53 winners from 269 mounts.
Rodriguez dominated the trainer standings with 49 wins from 201 starts, which was 18 more then runner-up Linda Rice. It was the second straight inner track title, and seventh NYRA title overall, for Rodriguez, who won at a 24.4% clip and earned nearly $2.1 million.
Rice closed out the meet with 31 winners from 130 starters for earnings of $1.3 million.
Jacobson, who tied Chris Englehart for third in the trainer standings, led all owners with 14 wins from 62 starts, which was six more than Chester and Mary Broman's eight wins from 48 starts. Midwest Thoroughbreds was third with eight wins from 37 starts.
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