DEL MAR, Calif. (AP) — The California Horse Racing Board has voted to allow Patrick Valenzuela to resume riding in the state under strict conditions that require the jockey with a history of substance abuse to submit to hair follicle testing.
The board voted in closed session Thursday on the agreement that is unprecedented because of its ongoing nature and severe stipulations.
Valenzuela, 47, has been riding in New Mexico and Louisiana the last two years after he previously failed to regain his license in California during a career marred by substance abuse and suspensions.
The hair follicle testing will be conducted under the auspices of the racing board and the results will be known before he is licensed. The agreement will be in force as long as Valenzuela is licensed to ride in California.
