🔥 SHOCKING CONFESSION: Irad Ortiz Jr. Had Psychotherapy During The Derby Due To Pressure From His Family!
In a revelation that has stunned the horse racing community, top jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. has admitted to undergoing psychotherapy during the Kentucky Derby due to overwhelming pressure from his family. Known for his fierce competitiveness and calm under pressure, Ortiz’s confession offers a rare glimpse into the personal struggles of a world-class athlete in one of the most intense and unforgiving sports on the planet.
Speaking candidly during a recent interview, Ortiz revealed that behind the silks and success lies a complex emotional journey shaped not only by the sport but also by deep-rooted expectations from his inner circle. “Everyone sees the wins, the trophies, the fame,” he said. “But they don’t see the weight I carry—especially from my family. They expect greatness. Always.” Those expectations, he confessed, began to take a toll on his mental health, leading him to seek professional help to cope with the emotional burden leading up to and during the Derby.
For many fans, this comes as a shock. Ortiz is widely regarded as one of the most consistent and focused riders in the game. With multiple Eclipse Awards and countless Grade 1 victories, he is the definition of a champion. But behind the scenes, the pressure to perform flawlessly—particularly on the Derby stage—became too much to bear alone.
“I remember sitting in the jockeys’ room, heart pounding, unable to focus,” Ortiz recalled. “It wasn’t the crowd. It wasn’t the race. It was the fear of letting my family down. They believe in me so much, sometimes it feels like there’s no room for mistakes.” That internalized pressure, he explained, drove him to sessions with a sports therapist in the weeks leading up to the Derby. Some sessions were even conducted remotely during Derby week, just hours before major races.
Mental health remains a sensitive and often overlooked topic in the world of horse racing, where toughness is prized and vulnerability can be perceived as weakness. Ortiz’s decision to speak out could mark a turning point, not only for jockeys but for athletes across all high-pressure sports. “If someone like Irad can open up, maybe others will feel safe to do the same,” one fellow jockey commented anonymously. “This sport demands everything from you—mind, body, and soul. It’s time we start recognizing the mental cost, too.”
Ortiz is no stranger to adversity, having grown up in Puerto Rico where racing runs deep in his family’s veins. His brother, Jose Ortiz, is also a top jockey, and the two have often been pitted against each other by fans and media. While the rivalry is respectful and professional, Irad admits that familial comparisons add a silent layer of stress to an already difficult career. “It’s not that they pressure me in a bad way,” he said. “They love me. But that love comes with expectations. Sometimes, it’s a lot.”
The confession has sparked waves of support from fans and fellow athletes alike. Social media platforms lit up following the release of the interview, with hashtags like #SupportIrad and #MentalHealthInRacing trending across racing communities. Many praised Ortiz for his bravery in speaking up, with others sharing their own stories of pressure, anxiety, and the hidden costs of chasing perfection.
Ortiz has made it clear that therapy isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a tool for survival. “If I didn’t talk to someone, I don’t know how I would’ve made it through that Derby,” he said. “People think we’re machines out there. We’re not. We’re human. And sometimes, we need help.”
As the racing season continues and the road to future Derbies unfolds, Irad Ortiz Jr.’s voice will undoubtedly echo beyond the track. Not just as a winner of races, but as a champion of mental health, resilience, and honesty. In a world that often demands silence, Ortiz has chosen to speak—and in doing so, may have just helped rewrite the unspoken rules of the sport.
