P Val

Originally Posted by dellinger63

Someone was asking earlier

Jockey Patrick Valenzuela, who was excused from riding at Del Mar on Wednesday and Thursday, could be sidelined for an indefinite period due to back pain, his agent Tom Knust said.

Valenzuela was expected to see a doctor in Los Angeles on Thursday. His back problem first originated during the Santa Anita meet, then resurfaced during the Hollywood Park season. Knust said depending on the diagnosis, either rest or surgery could be the next step.

As a result, Knust has taken the book of jockey Corey Nakatani. Knust said that Valenzuela gave him the go-ahead to act as Nakatani's agent, and he expects to handle business for both riders when Valenzuela returns.

Prayers and best wishes to Pval from this corner. I know hes screwed up many chances but hes been clean again for a while and the reason that bettors, owners and trainers keep embracing him is because despite his personal demons he goes out there each and every time(whether its a ten claimer or a grade one stakes race) and gives it his absolute all(unlike lazy no good scumbags like Arod who make 25 million a year). He also loves horses as can be witnessed by the way that he pets them after they win and rubs em all the way back to the winners circle.
This is going to be an ordeal for him because of his substance abuse and the fact that he will have to be on some pain killers after the surgery. Im quite sure thats the reason hes been putting it off so long, I'm sure hes afraid of getting painkillers back in his system and getting hooked or tthrowing off his body. I always root for anyone who gets up in the morning and tries so hard to win and give everything he or she has in the tank.