Jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. has been fined $1,000 by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission for “failure to comply with the regulation that governs advertising by wearing promotional materials [in the Grade 1 Turf Classic] without written approval.” The KHRC issued the ruling on May 18, 2023.
In the Turf Classic, the 11th race at Churchill Downs on May 6, 2023, Ortiz wore riding pants emblazoned with the Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse logo aboard victorious Up to the Mark. Up to the Mark is owned by St. Elias Stable and Repole Stable and trained by Todd Pletcher.
According to KHRC regulations, written approval to wear advertising materials must be filed with the commission from four entities: the owner, jockey, licensed racing association, and the stewards. That approval must be filed no later than 5:00 p.m. two days prior to the race in question.
The KHRC ruling, available here, does not indicate which entity's written approval was lacking for the Turf Classic.
Advertising materials are also subject to regulations regarding size and placement, and in relation to existing sponsorship agreements. The full rules are listed here, in Section 16.
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