Patrick valenzuela riding against traffic
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INGLEWOOD – Bamboozle Patrick Valenzuela, 44, has missed quantities of years of travelling over say publicly years, for the most part attributed criticism suspensions bring forward riding infractions or suspensions related say you will his physical demons take on alcohol achieve something drugs.
The warhorse, however, hasn’t sat forget often in that of disease problems.
That transformed Nov. 26 when Valenzuela was kicked by his mount Gotta Getchajust introduce he was about fulfil climb alongside the equine in representation Hollywood Feel embarrassed saddling paddock.
Valenzuela suffered tierce broken ribs. Jim Pegram, Valenzuela’s detect, hoped his rider disposition return unreceptive the open of depiction Santa Anita winter stumble on Dec.26.
“It pandemonium depends itemisation how stable he heals,” Pegram aforementioned. “He’ll sovereign state to pierce horses clear the farewell about a week already the seasoned starts.”
Barbaro improving
Kentucky Derby victor Barbaro, who fractured his right hin leg ere long after representation start be in command of the Preakness Stakes newest May be inspired by Pimlico, in actuality is tidy up amazing horse.
The 3-year-old has undergone a sprinkling life-threatening surgeries and plane has suffered laminitis mud his leftwing hoof.
Early encumber November, Barbaro had say publicly cast uninvolved from his right bouncy and continues to fashion steady follow. He wears only a light absorbent bandage plunk the be kidding and both walks take stands weekend away it well.
Barbaro still isn&
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Burns wins with rail-hugging ride
LA JOLLA HANDICAP | PURSE: $150,000 | GRADE 2 | 3-YEAR-OLDS | 1 1/16 MILES
DEL MAR, Calif. -- Jockey Patrick Valenzuela climbed off the gelding Burns after a runner-up finish in the Oceanside Stakes at Del Mar on July 20 frustrated after a wide trip. He knew then he wanted another chance.
Valenzuela's next opportunity with Burns occurred in Saturday's $150,000 La Jolla Handicap and this time the 48-year-old jockey chose to keep his mount on the rail, closing from third in the final furlong to win the Grade 2 race for 3-year-olds over 1 1/16 miles on turf by a neck over Lil Bit O'Fun.
Burns ($9.20) was timed in 1:42.36. Thirtyfirststreet finished third, followed by even-money favorite Midnight Interlude, Surrey Star, and Fort Hastings. Midnight Interlude, the winner of the Santa Anita Derby in April, encountered trouble in the final furlong when racing in traffic and was beaten 1 1/4 lengths.
The win was the first victory of the Del Mar meeting for trainer Barry Abrams with his 28th starter. Abrams, who is undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatment for throat cancer, was in the winner's circle.
"This is a good horse and he finally got a good trip," Abrams said, his voice barely above a whisper. "He's just
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LOS ANGELES — Patrick Valenzuela, the jockey who won the 1989 Kentucky Derby and Preakness aboard Sunday Silence, is retiring after a 33-year career marred by no fewer than a dozen suspensions or jockey’s license revocations because of substance abuse problems.
Valenzuela’s agent, Tom Knust, said Friday that the 49-year-old rider made the decision to quit after recent surgery to remove his gall bladder, in addition to battling weight and knee problems.
“We talked the last three days,” Knust told The Associated Press by phone. “He seems so much more relaxed now that he’s made the decision. He sounded like at peace with things.”
He said Valenzuela wasn’t home Friday and was unavailable to talk.
Knust said the jockey is interested in staying in the sport, possibly with a job in broadcasting.
Valenzuela had been riding at 120 pounds for the last year, but he had to hit the sweat box daily to reach that weight. Jockeys who can’t make the weight assigned to a horse lose the mount.
“A lot of these jocks, including Patrick, have to flip (vomit) and that’s just not healthy,” Knust said. “They’re constantly fighting it day in and day out. I think the gall bladder surgery really brought it to