NEWS
Owner Jackson withdraws from racing in wake of Valhol incident
Posted: Thursday, October 10, 2002
James Jackson, owner of disqualified 1999 Arkansas Derby (G2) winner Valhol, has decided to quit racing, due largely to the scandal caused when jockey Billy Patin was accused of using an electrical device aboard Valhol.
"I just haven't been able to shake the deal in Arkansas," Jackson told the Dallas Morning News. "It left a very nasty taste, and wherever I go, there's always somebody that will come around and ask about it."
When Valhol won the Arkansas Derby, he was a maiden coming off a fourth place finish in the Louisiana Derby (G2) sent off at odds of 30.40-to-1. As Valhol galloped out after his win, cameras caught Patin discarding a dark object.
The Arkansas Racing Commission withheld Valhol's $300,000 share of the $500,000 purse while it investigated the incident, but a Circuit Court judge ordered Oaklawn to distribute the purse so that Jackson could enter his gelding in the Kentucky Derby (G1). A week after Valhol finished 15th of 19 in the Derby, Oaklawn stewards disqualified Valhol from the Arkansas Derby and suspended Patin for five years.
Valhol last raced on May 27 when he finished ninth in the Lone Star Park Handicap (G3) won by Congaree. His last win came on February 10 in the $125,000 Whirlaway Handicap at Fair Grounds—his third stakes win. He has won five of 18 career starts and $380,350 for trainer Dallas Keen.
Jackson plans to keep Valhalla, his farm and training facility near Rockdale, Texas, but plans to sell his 40 horses, except for maybe one: Valhol.
