11/18/2012 5:56PM

Hollywood Park: Valenzuela undergoes knee surgery

By Steve Andersen
Email
Benoit & Associates
Patrick Valenzuela will be out indefinitely following surgery to repair a knee he injured this past summer riding at Del Mar.

Jockey Patrick Valenzuela, who was off his mounts on Saturday and Sunday, will undergo knee surgery and will be sidelined indefinitely, according to his agent, Tom Knust.

Knust said that Valenzuela, 50, injured the knee at Del Mar during the summer, but had been riding through the discomfort in recent months.
“He can’t work horses right now, so he thought it would be the right time to address the issue,” Knust told the Hollywood Park publicity department.

Valenzuela announced his retirement in November, 2010, but returned to riding last spring. He has struggled to gain significant business this year, winning nine races. His biggest win came aboard Acclamation in the Grade 1 Charles Whittingham Handicap here in June.

Valenzuela had one mount on Friday, finishing sixth in a maiden claimer on Justification.

Melani Wheeler More than 1 year ago
wishing you God speed in your recovery...
Ponies Payme More than 1 year ago
Amazing how knee surgery turns to talk of addiction. Hey DRF..... When you gonna delete these idiots from expressing moronic opinions? Here's an idea to all you "addiction" believers. GET A FREAKIN LIFE and leave PVAL alone.
Big Jeff More than 1 year ago
Says the head idiot.......... You consistantly post some of the most moronic and misinfrmed comments seen here. You are almost always negative,but easily the most irritating aspect of your post is how you claim to be this so-called winning horse player . I have read most of what you have written and it's clear by your lack of any basic understanding of the sport ,that you have zero concept of what it actually requires to be a winning horseplayer. Enough is enough with you. Delete yourself ,your negative crap and your knee dep B.S.
Big Jeff More than 1 year ago
Sorry to be such a downer everyone, but .......see above.
HandicapperErni More than 1 year ago
His career is dead!! He peaked already. His ride in the 2011 pacific classic aboard acclamation is a masterpiece and he put the field to sleep and nobody didn't get by him. Not even joel Rosario (who supposably is a strong finisher and can outride 99% of the riders in So.cal) on Twirling Candy couldn't even outride someone who's passed their prime.
m More than 1 year ago
Hang up the saddle brother - there are other options...Get a job with TVG - Id rather listen to your insight vs Shrupp.
Morris More than 1 year ago
good luck ole boy. hate to hear of your misfortune. dont pay any attenion to those nay sayers. you have already proven that you can over come much worse than this. get well & we look forward to seeing you in the winners circle again. jockeys make horse racing rock. ( just think what it would be like if trainers had to ride their own). "an ole railbird"
Susan Huart More than 1 year ago
Sorry to hear about PVal. Good luck to you with you're surgery. Stay strong and return stronger! You are a fine jockey, sir, and I wish you well!
Jeffrey Mathews More than 1 year ago
ha ha u folks r funny pval is having knee surgery not a relapse but all talk is bout addiction. STOP IT!
Big Jeff More than 1 year ago
Just to stop the idiots posting the hate that usually goes with a P Val story. Nip it in the bud, as they say.
Jim Fields More than 1 year ago
I am continuously sorry for his addiction, I know that it robs one of a productive life. Even alcohol, which I'm drinking as I write, does immeasurable damage. What I do not agree with, is the multitude of chances he was given by the industry . It gave encouragement to those who are tempted, to think the consequences of drug use are not detrimental enough to not take the chance. If it means life banishment, far fewer would take the initial dose. Bet you can't eat just one Adam??
Ridgeway Farms More than 1 year ago
PVal will always be The Man!!!!!!!!! Keep your head up sir, and do what you feel is best!!!!
laura ban More than 1 year ago
Addiction is a hard, dark road that is traveled alone. It takes away everything and touches everybody. If a person is lucky enough to survive this disease and join society again, he should be welcomed not hated. Those of us who have no idea what it's like to have a drug addicton should offer support and forgiveness. Get well Patrick Valenzuela and ride many more years.