Irad Ortiz, Jr. paced all other riders at the Belmont at the Big A fall meet to secure the leading rider title with 35 wins. Hall of Famer Javier Castellano came in second [27 wins] with Manny Franco and Jose Lezcano tied for third [23 wins]. Ortiz, Jr. earned his 21st NYRA meet title on the heels of a strong summer meet at Saratoga Race Course where he posted 55 wins.
Four-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Chad Brown earned his fourth NYRA meet title of the year with 24 winners, finishing ahead of Linda Rice in second [18 wins] and Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher in third [17 wins]. It was the 11th consecutive Belmont fall meet title for Brown. Peter Brant finished atop the owners standings with eight victories, ahead of Klaravich Stables and Michael Dubb, who tied for second with seven wins each.
Live racing resumes Friday for Opening Day of the 29-day Aqueduct fall meet, which offers 33 stakes worth a total of $6.375 million, and is highlighted by the $750,000 GI Cigar Mile H. Saturday, Dec. 3. First post on Friday's card, which features the $150,000 GIII Turnback the Alarm, is 11:35 a.m. Eastern. Doors open at 10 a.m.
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