Giral applauds Kentucky Derby’s historic finish
Rep. Jose Giral May 6, 2026 | 9:27 AM
PHILADELPHIA, May 6 – State Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., issued the following statement in response to this year’s history-making Kentucky Derby finish.
“Part of the lesser-recognized history of the Kentucky Derby is that there is a long Latino legacy in American horse racing,” said Giral. “From jockeys to the workers taking care of the horses, Latinos have long been a part of the Derby and other major races.”
On May 2, Puerto Rican American Jose Ortiz won his first Kentucky Derby just one day after winning the Kentucky Oaks on May 1. He is the 9th jockey to complete the Oaks/Derby sweep – and only the third to do it this century. He won the Derby by narrowly beating his older brother, fellow jockey Irad Ortiz Jr.
Both brothers, born in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, attended Puerto Rico’s Escuela Vocacional Hípica, a school for prospective jockeys, before moving to New York.
“Horse racing is one the of premier sports in Puerto Rico,” said Giral, “The island has a long history of training both horses and jockeys. For the Puerto Rican community, the finish this weekend is an incredible source of pride – as someone born in Puerto Rico myself, I feel that pride. It’s generations of dedication to this sport showcased on an international stage.”
This year’s win also marks the first time a female trainer won the Kentucky Derby, with Ortiz’s winning horse, Golden Tempo, trained by Cherie DeVaux.
“This is a great moment for the history of our country and the sport of horse racing – to see the event’s top-tier athletes and trainers breaking expected norms is truly exceptional,” said Giral.
Giral represents the 180th Legislative District, a section of Philadelphia’s Northeastern neighborhoods, where 45% of residents are Puerto Rican. His district ranks No. 1 in Puerto Rican population statewide.