Valenzuela's Reinstatement Delayed by Oak Tree Stewards

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Jockey Patrick Valenzuela's reinstatement was on hold Oct. 24 following a brief meeting between Valenzuela and his agent, Tom Knust, with Oak Tree stewards at Santa Anita during the morning.

The oft-suspended 45-year-old jockey sought a conditional license that would have allowed him to return to action as soon as Oct. 27, but his request was denied.

Valenzuela has not ridden in 11 months following a mishap at Hollywood Park Nov. 26 that resulted in three fractured ribs and subsequent surgery on his right knee. Valenzuela said he had “no comment yet” on the situation. Knust also declined to answer questions following a 15-minute session with stewards Tom Ward, Martin Hamilton, and John Herbuveaux, who represent the California Horse Racing Board.

Ward said Valenzuela presented a contract from the CHRB seeking approval of a conditional license that would permit him to ride, "but we have not taken a position on it. He is not licensed yet and will not be until he has a signed, executed contract with the board.”

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