Valenzuela set for yet another comeback
USA: The turbulent career of top jockey Pat Valenzuela has taken an unexpected turn with news that he is planning yet another comeback in California.
Valenzuela, 49, announced his retirement four months ago after gall-bladder surgery and a struggle with the scales.
But P-Val's agent Tom Knust revealed on Thursday that he plans to start riding again at the new Hollywood Park meeting that begins on April 26. "He'll start the first day at Hollywood," said Knust.
Among Valenzuela's likely mounts is Pacific Classic winner Acclamation, scheduled to return after injury in the Inglewood Handicap on April 27.
Best known in Europe as the rider of Arazi in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Valenzuela has won 4,233 races in North America, including the 1989 Kentucky Derby with Sunday Silence.
More recently, however, his career has been notable for several interruptions amid drink and drug issues.
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