On May the Fourth, as Star Wars fans celebrate their favorite galaxy far, far away, the world of horse racing buzzes with excitement for the 150th Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing at Churchill Downs. Among the 20-horse field, which boasts the best horses, trainers, and jockeys, two remarkable riders are about to go head-to-head: the Italian Maestro, Frankie Dettori, and the Puerto Rican Prodigy, Irad Ortiz Jr. Dettori, with a career spanning over 35 years, has not only defied time but has also conquered racetracks across five continents, securing more than 200 Group 1 victories.

On the other hand, Irad Ortiz Jr., known as one of the most feared jockeys in the United States, has quickly risen to the top ranks with his impressive win rate and significant victories, including multiple Breeders’ Cup wins and American Classic triumphs. As the excitement builds and the first leg of the Triple Crown kicks off, all eyes will be on these two giants of the racing world as they vie for glory in The Run for the Roses. But let’s delve deeper and explore Irad Ortiz Jr. vs Frankie Dettori: Net Worth, Earnings, Achievements, and more.

Irad Ortiz Jr. vs Frankie Dettori in 2024 Kentucky Derby: A Comparison of Net Worth and Earnings

In the 2024 Kentucky Derby, two legendary jockeys, Irad Ortiz Jr. and Frankie Dettori, are set to compete. Frankie Dettori, with estimated career earnings of over $223 million, ranks 45th on the Jockey Rich List. In 2019, Dettori had his best year, earning a colossal £7,365,868. His net worth is estimated to be between £15 million and £18 million.

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On the other hand, Irad Ortiz Jr., with career earnings totaling $312,682,944, ranks 20th on the Jockey Rich List, with a net worth estimated at $20 million as of 2024. In 2022, Ortiz Jr. set a new single-year North American record for jockey earnings, with his mounts earning $34,628,316. This incredible performance was followed by another record-breaking year in 2023, with earnings totaling $39,192,585. While both jockeys have had remarkable careers, in terms of net worth and earnings, Irad Ortiz Jr. holds a slight edge over Frankie Dettori. Now let’s delve into their careers, wins, and personal triumphs.

What does the past say? Know the wins, achievements, and more as Irad Ortiz Jr. vs Frankie Dettori shapes up

Frankie Dettori, born in Milan, Italy, began his illustrious career at a young age, moving to England at 14 to work for trainer Luca Cumani. His talent quickly became apparent, and in 1989, Dettori won the British champion apprentice jockey title. In 1994, he became a retained rider for Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin operation, achieving his first Classic win on Balanchine in the Epsom Oaks. His career reached new heights with numerous prestigious wins internationally.

However, Dettori’s most celebrated achievement came on September 28, 1996, when he rode all seven winners on the British Festival of Racing Day at Ascot Racecourse. This remarkable feat, known as the ‘Magnificent Seven’, where he won all seven races on Champions Day at Ascot, remains one of the most extraordinary accomplishments in horse racing history.

Dettori, a four-time recipient of the Longines World’s Best Jockey Award, boasts an impressive record of more than 3,300 wins in Europe. He earned his 15th Breeders’ Cup victory in November and is considered one of the top jockeys in the world. This year alone, he has won 37 of his 190 starts and finished on the board 103 times.

Despite his successes, Dettori has faced challenges throughout his career. In 2000, he survived a plane crash that tragically took the life of the pilot. However, Frankie Dettori’s determination and talent prevailed, leading to numerous victories and accolades. In 2022, he announced his retirement but had a remarkable final season in 2023, winning several Group 1 races. In December 2023, Dettori decided to move to California to continue racing in the United States and on the international circuit.

In contrast, Irad Ortiz Jr., born on August 11, 1992, in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, began his professional jockey career in his home country in 2011. He transitioned to the New York Thoroughbred Horse Racing Circuit in 2012, quickly establishing himself as one of the top jockeys. Ortiz Jr. won his first Breeders’ Cup race on Lady Eli in 2014 and his first American Classic on Creator in the 2016 Belmont Stakes.

He has won the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey five times (2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023). Ortiz Jr.’s first American Classic win aboard Creator and his multiple Breeders’ Cup victories have solidified his place among the top jockeys in the world. However, Ortiz Jr. is known to have a fiery and aggressive side.

His aggressive riding style has often been criticized, with accusations that he bumps into other horses to gain an advantage. In 2021, Ortiz Jr. was fined £821 for punching fellow jockey Paco Lopez after a heated race at Gulfstream Park in Florida. Furthermore, he was banned for 30 days in December 2021 after causing another rider to fall from their horse. Despite these controversies, Ortiz Jr. remains a formidable jockey, highly sought after by trainers. In 2024 alone, Ortiz Jr. has won an impressive 114 races and has finished on the board in more than half of his starts. What lies ahead at the Kentucky Derby for these phenoms?

The Kentucky Derby battle ahead

Frankie Dettori will be participating in the Kentucky Derby for the first time since 2000, riding Society Man. His return to the race has generated considerable excitement among racing enthusiasts. On the other hand, Irad Ortiz Jr., the 31-year-old Puerto Rican jockey, is vying for his first Kentucky Derby victory. Ortiz Jr. has been the winningest North American jockey for seven consecutive years, earning back-to-back Eclipse Awards for Outstanding Jockey.

Despite his remarkable success, Ortiz Jr. has yet to win the Kentucky Derby, with his best finish coming in 2019 when he placed fourth aboard Improbable. As of now, he has won 114 races in 2024 and has finished on the board in more than half of his starts. Ortiz Jr. will be riding Domestic Product in this year’s Derby, hoping to add the prestigious race to his list of achievements. With all eyes on these two phenoms, the excitement is palpable as the Kentucky Derby approaches. So, who do you have your money on? Comment down below.