P Val

[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.