Jose Ortiz already has one Eclipse Award as Outstanding Jockey, and he’s on track to win another during a banner 2026 season highlighted by his first win in the Kentucky Derby (brother Irad Jr. finished second). With the Breeders’ Cup fast approaching, Jose takes time to relax and make memories with wife Taylor, a former jockey, and kids Derek, Leilani, and Nikolai on their 59-acre farm in Shelby Co., Ky. The Ortiz family moved to their new home recently and are enjoying 59 acres of rural splendor, with pony and horse riding, bike riding, soccer, and other activities on the schedule.
“Honestly, it’s like a dream come true, but this is how I grew up, and I’m happy to share this life with our kids, too,” Taylor says.
The Beyond the Silks series is presented by America’s Best Racing and Breeders’ Cup.
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