CHRB Clears Valenzuela to Exercise Horses
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The California Horse Racing Board cleared jockey Patrick Valenzuela to exercise horses Aug. 8 per a settlement between the two parties.
His license to ride in races, however, will remain suspended through Oct. 31.
Valenzuela has not ridden since early last 2014, when he failed to appear before stewards at Santa Anita Park over charges that he failed to fulfill his riding agreement.
In July, the CHRB rejected a hearing officer's proposal that said Valenzuela should be permitted to work as an exercise rider.
MITCHELL: CHRB Rejects Proposed Decision on Valenzuela
The 52-year-old jockey, who has a history of substance abuse, failed to fulfill his commitment to ride two races in January 2014. Valenzuela had been riding with a conditional license that made him subject to drug and alcohol testing at the CHRB's request.
The CHRB said in a release that if Valenzuela chooses to apply for a jockey license after Oct. 31, "his application will be subject to review according to standard CHRB procedures."
This story will be updated.