By Bill Finley
Pat Valenzuela, who has not ridden since Feb. 26 at Fair Grounds, will embark on his latest comeback Sunday at Ruidoso Downs. The 53-year-old rider was named on three mounts.
Ruidoso stewards told DRF.com that Valenzuela's license will come with “stipulations,” but did not elaborate.
Valenzuela had hoped to return to the scene of his greatest glories, the Southern California circuit, but the California Horse Racing Board recently denied his request for reinstatement while adding that he could reapply in a year's time.
“I'm coming back in New Mexico because that is where I began my career,” Valenzuela said. “My brother (J.R.) is doing very well there riding Quarter Horses and it will be great to be around him. I'll be back around a lot of the people I grew up with.”
Valenzuela said he will still seek reinstatement in California and will first ask the stewards there to reconsider their decision. He said if they don't, he will file an appeal. If he is unable to get relicensed in California, he said he will continue to ride at the New Mexico tracks, in particular at Zia Park, which opens next Saturday.
“I'm very excited to be back; maybe we'll get lucky,” he said.
Valenzuela, whose career has bene plagued by substance abuse issues, said he was first sidelined after hurting his hand in February and did not return when healed because he wanted to focus on his efforts to get his license in California.
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