A extremely anticipated day for coach John Ortiz and his workforce rapidly turned to disappointment Aug. 3 when the barn’s star filly, grade 1 winner Brightwork , was scratched from the Take a look at Stakes (G1) after falling within the Saratoga Race Course paddock previous to the race.
“I used to be just a little emotional,” Ortiz stated. “You set in a lot laborious work and all of it occurs in a break up of a second. It may be the best day of your life or it could possibly be a really disappointing day.”
Brightwork, who races for WSS Racing, was within the means of getting saddled Saturday when she reared up and misplaced her footing, falling on her facet. She instantly popped again up, however state stewards had been precautionary and scratched the 3-year-old daughter of Outwork  .
“The veterinarians did the proper factor,” Ortiz stated. “You by no means know what else may have occurred.”
Fortunately, Brightwork escaped from the incident principally unscathed with just some superficial scratches round her ankles. Ortiz reported that she ate nicely and was doing nicely Aug. 4.Join BloodHorse Each day
“She’s in good spirits,” Ortiz stated.
Ortiz was understandably disenchanted Sunday morning as he felt his filly had an ideal shot to notch a second top-level victory whereas coming back from a nine-month layoff. The race was received by Methods and Means , whom Brightwork defeated within the Spinaway (G1) at Saratoga final September.
“I used to be actually assured. I believed in her that she was going to do rather well yesterday,” Ortiz stated. “We schooled her the day earlier than and he or she was blissful, she seemed like she was prepared.”
Whereas attempting to course of the troublesome second, Ortiz was consoled by Corridor of Fame rider John Velazquez, who was scheduled to be in the irons for the filly. Receiving assist from one in all his function fashions was a second that meant rather a lot to the younger coach.
all class @ljlmvel consoling an upset John Ortiz as Brightwork is A Scr from the G1 Take a look at after rearing up and falling over. She high quality pictured right here. pic.twitter.com/9d2hUDR9Q2â zoecadman (@zoecadman) August 3, 2024
“I seemed as much as Johnny V since I used to be 8 years outdated,” Ortiz stated. “Johnny is only a class man. He helped me within the paddock, he did.”
