Apprentice riders Felix Vasquez Jr. and Yomar Ortiz Jr. got their pictures taken for the first time on Saturday.

Vasquez Jr. rode Pretty Geisha (First Samurai) to victory over Gulfstream's all-weather course in the eighth race on the card.

“I am so happy,” Vasquez Jr. said. “I feel excellent. I don't believe it. I feel so awesome. I've been working hard, [staying] focused and disciplined.”

As for Ortiz Jr., who was riding Hard Champ (Upstart) for Highlander Training Center and trainer Joe Sharp, the bug delivered a successful rail-skimming ride in the fifth race on the Keeneland closing day card.

Yomar Ortiz Jr. scores his FIRST career victory aboard !!

The 3y/o filly is trained by @mjsharp75_joe and wins R5 at Keeneland under jockey @yomar_ortizjr.

#TwinSpiresReplay https://t.co/nxcGQ0Ea7D

— TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) October 24, 2026

This story was posted in Industry News and tagged apprentice jockeys, Felix Vasquez Jr., Gulfstream Park, Highlander Training Center, Horse Racing, Keeneland, thoroughbreds, Yomar Ortiz Jr..