PVal update.....

[my miss storm cat]

From DRF.....


Valenzuela looking to Del Mar
By STEVE ANDERSEN

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Jockey Patrick Valenzuela, who has not ridden since November because of a rib injury and subsequent knee surgery, said he has started a physical therapy program for his knee that could lead to a comeback next month.

Valenzuela, 44, said in a telephone interview on Tuesday that he hopes to resume riding when the Del Mar meeting begins on July 18, if his is physically able.

"I started physical therapy" on June 14, he said. "I'm hoping to come back pretty soon. I'm hoping to get back by the start of Del Mar. Hopefully, I can get back on the road to winning races."

The winner of 15 riding titles in Southern California since 1986, Valenzuela has not ridden since suffering fractured ribs in a paddock accident at Hollywood Park Nov.o26. Valenzuela underwent arthroscopic surgery on a knee in December. Valenzuela had hoped to make a comeback earlier this year, but postponed his comeback on several occasions.

"I wanted to ride at Santa Anita and I didn't give it enough time to heal properly," he said of the knee. "It's doing better than what it was. You don't heal as often as you do when you're younger."

Valenzuela said he recently saw Dr. James Tibone, who injected a lubricating jell into the knee and "told me to stay off of it until I start physical therapy."

Valenzuela, whose career has been plagued by substance abuse problems, is not currently licensed by the California Horse Racing Board. His license expired at the end of 2006. In the past, Valenzuela was issued a one-year provisional license that allowed the racing board to perform random drug testing. Earlier this year, Valenzuela said he would approach racing board officials regarding his license as he nears a comeback.

On Tuesday, Valenzuela said he has been watching the races occasionally, and is anxious to get involved.

"I can't watch that often because my blood starts to boil," he said. "I want to get back on horses. I'll take it one day at a time."