Jockey Patrick Valenzuela, his career marred by substance abuse and suspensions.

September 29, 2008

Jockey Patrick Valenzuela, his career marred by substance abuse and suspensions. Wont be riding in California again.

His conditional license was revoked this week and the 45-year-old rider wont be able to reapply, the California Horse Racing Board ruled. The board adopted the proposed decision of administrative law Judge Daniel Juarez. He said Valenzuela is permanently ineligible to reapply for or to hold a license issued by the board.

Valenzuelas license was revoked in December after a drunken-driving arrest in Southern California. He pled guilty in May.

He has ridden at Louisiana Downs since late May. His active license to ride in that state was granted last fall and he hasnt violated any of Louisianas racing rules. Hes also ridden in New Mexico this year.

Valenzuela rode Sunday Silence to victory in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 1989.

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Nakatani could miss Breeders Cup with injury.

Jockey Corey Nakatani most likely will miss next months Breeders Cup because of a broken collarbone from a spill at Santa Anita.

His mount, Easy on the Eye, went down after clipping heels shortly after the start of the $100,000 Morvich Handicap on Wednesdays opening day of the tracks Oak Tree meeting.

Its a new injury and a clean break, his agent, Ron Ebanks, said. Doctors will see him in three weeks for further evaluation, but hes expected to be out from three to five weeks.

In January, Nakatani broke his right clavicle in a training accident at Hollywood Park.

The 37-year-old rider was replaced on seven scheduled mounts Saturday, including Vacare in the $400,000 Yellow Ribbon Stakes, In Summation in the $250,000 Ancient Title Stakes and Spring House, who finished fourth in the $250,000 Clement L. Hirsch Turf Championship.

Nakatani was the leading rider at the 2006 Oak Tree meeting.

The Breeders Cup will be run Oct. 24-25 at Santa Anita.