Santa Anita: Valenzuela talks with stewards

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.