NEWS
Stewards give Valenzuela three-day suspension
Posted: Sunday, November 25, 2007 5:12 PM
Hollywood Park stewards gave jockey Patrick Valenzuela a three-day suspension for careless riding on Fast Parade in the $150,000 Hollywood Turf Express Handicap (G3) on Saturday.
Grade 2 winner Fast Parade drifted out badly under left-handed urging from Valenzuela in the stretch, and interfered with six challengers. Fast Parade finished sixth after setting the pace, but was disqualified and placed last in the nine-horse field. Unusual Suspect, who was unimpeded by Fast Parade, rallied from last to first to win the six-furlong turf race.
Stewards ruled Valenzuela failed to make a proper effort to maintain a straight course aboard Fast Parade. Valenzuela is to serve the suspension on December 2, 5, and 6.
Valenzuela rode in California for the first time in nearly a year on November 17 at Hollywood Park after the 45-year-old completed the paperwork for a conditional license with the board of stewards at Hollywood Park.
Valenzuela, who has won 15 riding titles in Southern California since 1986, suffered broken ribs when kicked by his mount in the walking ring before a race at Hollywood on November 26, 2006. He subsequently underwent knee surgery for a lingering injury and received clearance from his doctor to begin riding again on October 20.
Valenzuela launched his comeback on November 3 at Zia Park in New Mexico.
