You’ve seen him in the winner's circle more times than you can count. Irad Ortiz Jr. is, frankly, a machine on horseback. But while he’s tearing up the track at Gulfstream or Saratoga, there’s a whole other side to the story that doesn’t always make the highlight reel. People constantly search for "Irad Ortiz Jr wife" because they want to know who keeps the five-time Eclipse Award winner grounded when the dirt stops flying.
The truth is, while he’s often referred to as being married, the situation is a bit more nuanced.
The Woman Behind the Champion: Meliza Betancourt
Kinda like a classic movie script, Irad met his long-term partner, Meliza Betancourt, back home in Puerto Rico. They weren't just random acquaintances; they met while he was still at the Escuela Vocacional Hípica, the famous jockey school on the island. Think of them as the racetrack’s version of high school sweethearts.
She’s been there since the beginning. Long before the $40 million seasons and the Breeders' Cup trophies, Meliza was the one supporting a teenager with big dreams.
In some circles and older reports, you might see the name Solange Morales pop up. There’s been a fair bit of internet confusion there, but if you look at the most consistent, boots-on-the-ground reporting from the racing world, Meliza is the name that’s been by his side throughout his rise to the top of the North American standings.
Family Life and Those Three Daughters
Irad isn't just a rider; he’s a girl dad through and through. Honestly, it’s a huge part of his identity. He currently lives on Long Island with his three daughters:
- Sarai (the eldest, born around 2015)
- Saeli * Salomé
The middle child, Saeli, actually gave the family quite a scare when she was born. She arrived prematurely at just 26 weeks. If you remember back to 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 uncertainty, Irad actually stepped away from riding for a bit. Most people thought it was just general caution, but the real reason was Saeli. Because she was born so early, her lungs were vulnerable, and Irad wasn't willing to risk bringing anything home from the track that could hurt her.
That’s the kind of detail you don't get from a box score. It shows the weight he carries every time he gates up.
Why the "Wife" Label is Complicated
Here is the thing: Irad and Meliza have been together for well over a decade—since about 2011. In the world of horse racing, where everyone knows everyone, she is treated with the respect of a spouse. However, whether they have a formal marriage certificate or are just "life partners" is something the couple keeps pretty close to the vest.
Irad is notoriously private. He’ll talk about his brother José all day long, and he’ll talk about his horses, but when it comes to the home front, he keeps the gates closed. This privacy is probably why you see so many conflicting reports or different names floating around online. In 2026, he’s still one of the most private superstars in sports.
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The Move to Kentucky and a New Chapter
Lately, things have changed for the Ortiz clan. For years, they were New York staples. But as the purses in Kentucky started to skyrocket, Irad made the massive decision to move his "tack"—and his family—to the Bluegrass State.
Basically, it came down to logistics. He was flying back and forth to Keeneland and Churchill Downs so much that it was eating into his time with Meliza and the girls. By basing himself in Kentucky for the spring and fall, he actually gets to see his kids more often.
It’s a reminder that even for a guy who just broke the $40 million single-season earnings record, the "dad tax" is real. He wants to be home for dinner.
Keeping Up With the Ortiz Family
If you’re looking to follow along, don’t expect a lot of "family vlogs." Irad’s social media is almost 100% business. You’ll see the occasional photo of his daughters in the winner's circle, usually decked out in matching outfits, but Meliza tends to stay out of the camera's lens.
She’s the silent engine. While Irad is busy navigating a 12-horse field at 40 miles per hour, she’s managing the reality of three growing girls and the constant travel schedule of a world-class athlete.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to keep up with the family's impact on the sport, here is what to look for:
- The Winner's Circle: Keep an eye on major Grade 1 presentations. The girls are often there for the big ones, like the Pegasus World Cup or the Breeders' Cup.
- Belmont Child Care Association: Irad is heavily involved here. It’s a great way to see the "family man" side of him, as he supports the families of backstretch workers who, like him, are just trying to provide for their kids.
- Kentucky Racing News: Since his move to Kentucky in late 2025/early 2026, local racing publications often get more personal anecdotes than the national New York-based media used to.
Irad Ortiz Jr. might be the face of the franchise, but it’s clear the foundation was built back in that jockey school in Puerto Rico with Meliza.