With a steady hand and a year of consistent excellence, jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. clinched his seventh Gulfstream Park riding title Sunday, capping the 2025-2026 Championship Meet in commanding fashion. The 33-year-old star added another jewel to his storied career, demonstrating why he remains one of North America’s most formidable riders.
Ortiz guided Brian Lynch-trained Zakinthos to victory in Race 5, a maiden special weight for 3-year-olds, and finished the meet with 82 wins from 312 mounts. His nearest rival, Tyler Gaffalione, trailed by 19 wins with four racing days remaining. This marks Ortiz’s fourth consecutive Championship Meet title, just one shy of the record set by Hall of Famer Javier Castellano, and his seventh overall.
“I’m happy. It’s been a great meet,” Ortiz said. “I’m thankful for the support from trainers and owners, and I’m glad to have another title here. This track is special, and I love being part of its history.”
Among his highlights this winter, Ortiz rode six stakes winners, including Coolmore Fountain of Youth (G2) with Mucho Macho Man, Forward Gal (G3) aboard On Time Girl, and Fort Lauderdale (G3) with Wolfie’s Dynaghost. He returned to Gulfstream after a brief absence due to a hip injury sustained March 12, showing both resilience and skill.
Lennilu Shines in Leinster Melody of Colors
The spotlight also fell on Lennilu, who opened her season with a decisive win in the $125,000 Leinster Melody of Colors for 3-year-old fillies. Ridden by Luis Saez for trainer Patrick Biancone, Lennilu ($2.80) covered five furlongs on a firm turf in 56.26 seconds, marking her fifth career victory and fourth stakes triumph.
Mystical Belle led early under Tyler Gaffalione, setting the pace through the quarter-mile in 21.28 seconds. Lennilu, positioned three-wide, steadily advanced to overtake the longshot leader, claiming victory by three-quarters of a length. The top three rounded out with Mystical Belle second and Tizasweetlady a surprising third.
Biancone noted, “It’s her first race after a long layoff, and she’s back stronger than before. We’re aiming for Limestone (G3) at Keeneland next.”
Championship Weekend Highlights
As the 2025-2026 Championship Meet winds toward its final weekend, attention turns to the Rainbow 6 jackpot, estimated at $225,000 for Thursday’s sequence. The 10-race card opens at 12:50 p.m., featuring a six-furlong claiming event for 3-year-olds and up, with Race 8 spotlighting older fillies and mares including Anna’s Promise.
Hall of Fame jockey Javier Castellano won two more races Sunday, aboard Name It in Race 1 and Royal Poppy in Race 7. Tyler Gaffalione also secured back-to-back victories on Furys Charm and Sonic Surge in Races 2 and 3.
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