Pletcher Takes 12th Saratoga Training Title

Liam's Map | A Coglianese

Todd Pletcher captured his sixth straight trainer's title, and 12th title overall, at Saratoga with a come-from-behind victory over Chad Brown. Pletcher trailed Brown for much of the 40-day meeting, but took the lead with three winners Saturday and sealed the win Sunday to take the title 34 wins to Brown's 31.

“It feels good for the whole team,” said Pletcher, who captured four Grade I races during the Saratoga meet. “It was extremely stiff competition this year. Chad Brown and his team had a phenomenal meet. We're blessed.”

Irad Ortiz, Jr. won his first Saratoga riding title. The 23-year-old got off to a quick start, caught fire in the middle of the 40-day meet, and cruised to the finish with 57 victories, four more than Javier Castellano.

“It's a dream come true to win a title in Saratoga,” said Ortiz, who was nipped, 56-55, by Castellano for top honors at the Belmont spring meet. “I'm so happy and so thankful to everyone who supports me. All the owners and trainers, everyone is involved in this title. We came running last [year] and just missed. We just kept working hard and this year was the year.”

Michael Dubb repeated as the meet's leading owner. Dubb and his various partnerships won 12 races at the stand, two more than Klaravich Stables in second. Patricia Generazio finished third with eight wins.

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