Troubled Valenzuela Suspended for 20 Days

Jockey Pat Valenzuela, who hasn’t ridden since Oct. 6, has been suspended for 20 days by the Oak Tree stewards for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule regarding failure to follow established procedures for being excused from mounts.

The suspension goes from Nov. 3-23, but on Nov. 13, Valenzuela will be able work horses in the morning.

Valenzuela, 32, has had personal problems and rode only the first two days of the Oak Tree meeting. He took off Oct. 7, then missed an engagement to ride Alex The Great on Oct. 8 in the Turf Classic at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y.