Valenzuela to return next week at Del Mar
July 24, 2010DEL MAR, Calif. (AP) - Patrick Valenzuela could return to riding in California as soon as next Wednesday.
The 47-year-old jockey with a lengthy history of alcohol and substance abuse was granted a probationary license on Thursday by the California Horse Racing Board. The same group revoked his license in 2008 after Valenzuela was arrested for drunken driving.
Agent Tom Knust said Friday that Valenzuela could be named to ride on Wednesday's card at the seaside track.
Knust says he's had good responses from several trainers interested in booking Valenzuela, who won the 1989 Kentucky Derby with Sunday Silence. Valenzuela has won five riding titles at Del Mar.
He's been riding at Louisiana Downs since getting banned from California.