Just days before the Preakness Stakes, top jockeys Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz Jr.—the brothers who delivered a thrilling finish at the Kentucky Derby—are facing serious scrutiny over allegations linking them to illegal cockfighting in Puerto Rico. The controversy erupted after photos and videos surfaced on social media, reportedly placing the Ortiz brothers at cockfighting arenas on the island, where the practice has been federally banned since 2019. Adding to the storm, Major League Baseball star pitcher Edwin Díaz has also been reportedly tied to similar events.
Jose, 32, and Irad Jr., 33, are among the biggest names in horse racing and are expected to continue competing throughout the Triple Crown season. But according to a new report, a Facebook photo posted in January allegedly shows the brothers holding what appear to be roosters while standing in the pit of a cockfighting arena. The image was reportedly shared by Oscar Calderon, described online as a cockfighter and breeder of fighting roosters, often called gamecocks.
Another social media advertisement reportedly promoted Jose and Irad as participants in a cockfighting tournament called the "Gran Campeón Caribeño," or Caribbean Grand Champion. The ad's translated text read, "Meet the Participants …," before describing the brothers as elite horse racers who also "harbor a passion for fighting cocks." It reportedly called it an "honor" to have them competing at the venue.
The report also highlights a video posted on X in late 2025 that allegedly shows the Ortiz brothers collecting money from a betting crowd inside Club Gallistico de Naguabo, a cockfighting facility in Puerto Rico. Additional photos reportedly show the brothers posing at the same venue, with Instagram location tags matching the arena featured in the video.
The timing of these allegations couldn't be more dramatic. With the Ortiz brothers fresh off a high-profile Kentucky Derby—where horse racing's elite clash in a test of speed and strategy—the spotlight on their off-track activities has intensified. As the Preakness Stakes approaches, the racing world is watching closely to see how this controversy unfolds, while fans and insiders alike are reminded that even the most celebrated athletes can find themselves in the middle of a storm.