From Louisiana Downs
Patrick Valenzuela, whose career as a jockey has been both troubled and brilliant, won his 4,000th race Oct. 9. His milestone victory came at Louisiana Downs aboard Burst of Light in a one-mile allowance/optional claiming event.
Valenzuela and his mount dropped back early before making a steady advance along the rail and running to daylight with a furlong left. As they finished, two lengths in front, Valenzuela held up four fingers on his right hand.
Valenzuela has seven victories in the Breeders' Cup World Championships. He won the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I) aboard Sunday Silence in 1989. Valenzuela spent the summer riding at Louisiana Downs and plans to stay in the stay into the Fair Grounds meeting later this year.