Del Mar: Valenzuela getting ready to make another comeback

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Jockey Patrick Valenzuela is preparing for another comeback.

Wednesday at Del Mar, Valenzuela resumed working horses for the first time since November, having recently received doctor’s clearance following knee surgery earlier this year. Valenzuela said he hopes to return to riding as early as Aug. 3.

Valenzuela said he underwent treatment with Dr. James Tibone, who frequently works with jockeys in Southern California.

“The doctor said, ‘Go out and work horses,’ ” Valenzuela said. “I said, ‘If can work horses, can I ride them?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ ”

Valenzuela, 51, has not ridden since November.

In November 2011, Valenzuela announced his retirement, but returned to racing in May 2012. In 2012, he won 9 races from 129 mounts, including Grade 1 races aboard Acclamation in the Charles Whittingham Handicap at Hollywood Park and the Eddie Read Stakes at Del Mar.

Valenzuela said Wednesday that he will represent himself “for a while.”

“I want to get back to doing the best I can,” he said.

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