P Val.. Changed his mind... Again

[Arletta]

Here we go yet again...

DRF: Santa Anita: Valenzuela talks with stewards
By Steve Andersen

ARCADIA, Calif. - Jockey Patrick Valenzuela, who has not ridden since late January and was suspended on Feb. 7 for failing to appear at a hearing with track stewards, met briefly with track stewards on Friday to discuss his absence.

Valenzuela, 51, who has a history of substance abuse and personal issues that have interrupted his career, is scheduled to have a formal hearing next Sunday to discuss why he did not appear to ride at Santa Anita on Jan. 24.

At the time, Valenzuela told his agent, Tom Knust, that he was “done” with riding. Valenzuela told the stewards on Friday that he would like to have his license reinstated and that he was seeking employment at the racetrack, according to steward Scott Chaney.

Approached before and after his hearing, Valenzuela declined to comment.

Valenzuela has won 4,347 races, including the 1989 Kentucky Derby on Sunday Silence, but is winless with 20 mounts at the current meeting.

[dellinger63]

I hope he is allowed back. I would think the worst thing for his addictions would be idling.

Wonder what the feeling is among the S.Cal. jock colony?

[jballscalls]

Originally Posted by dellinger63

I hope he is allowed back. I would think the worst thing for his addictions would be idling.

Wonder what the feeling is among the S.Cal. jock colony?

I agree that idling could be the worst thing for his addictions, but I'm starting to think maybe horse racing is not good for him either. I mean, in some ways I wonder if his monetary success enables his addictions further. Easier to justify messing up if you got 6 figures in the bank. I don't know his personal finances or him at all, just know he's gone into relapse several times while in and around racing. Maybe he needs a real clean start ya know?

[Seattleallstar]

he should be happy to be alive and shouldnt take this for granted, many great jockeys are no longer with us due to their demons. As we all know when he is right and on his game Pval is right up there with the best

[declansharbor]

Originally Posted by Seattleallstar

he should be happy to be alive and shouldnt take this for granted, many great jockeys are no longer with us due to their demons. As we all know when he is right and on his game Pval is right up there with the best

This hasn't been true for years now.

Seems to me that letting him ride again will only compound his problems in the future. (He gets depressed when he realizes he's not the PVal of old and hits his vices even heavier).

Hope he seeks the help he needs and gets it.

[my miss storm cat]

Santa Anita: Valenzuela wants to become exercise rider

http://www.drf.com/news/santa-anita-...exercise-rider