“Don’t Think the Age Will Matter”: Seven-Time Breeders’ Cup Winner Eyes Remarkable Comeback in Horse Racing After Prolonged Absence

In the equestrian realm, Pat Valenzuela’s name resonates with a career marked by dazzling highs and challenging lows. Aged 61, he stands at a juncture where most would trade the horse racing track for a tranquil retirement. Yet, Valenzuela, with a spirit unyielding to conventional norms, is contemplating a remarkable return to the sport he loves.

His prolonged absence since 2016, combined with a recent knee replacement, only adds to the mystique surrounding the possibility of his comeback. Nonetheless, he has shown unequivocally that age is merely a number.

The journey to redemption

Valenzuela’s tempestuous breakaway from professional racing happened unwillingly because of constant agony. He left the arena in 2016 after suffering the same injuries, which eventually led to a torn ACL. However, the pain continued after he had undergone surgery supposedly aimed at relieving this distress, thus denying him an opportunity to continue riding.

The prolonged agony confined Valenzuela to the sidelines, restricting his interaction with the majestic creatures he once guided to victory. Even as he yearned to mount again, the excruciating pain rendered each effort futile.  The turning point arrived post-surgery, as Valenzuela embraced a knee replacement in May, paving the way for a rekindled hope. Returning to the track, he commenced his journey anew, initially assuming duties as a hotwalker under trainer Antonio Saavedra.

Progressing from walking to eventually frolicking atop horses at prestigious venues like Santa Anita and Del Mar, Valenzuela’s conviction grows stronger. “I’m a little heavy now, so I don’t know if I’ll be able to do the weight,” he said. “But I’m sure going to try. I’ll ride somewhere, whether it’s in New Mexico, Louisiana, wherever. I’ll give it my best shot.” The once agonizing knee now echoes with respite, allowing him to rediscover the high octane energy derived from the sport.

Valenzuela’s horse racing renaissance

Valenzuela’s comeback isn’t bereft of scepticism. At 61, questions loom large about his ability to triumph over the obstacles that a lengthy absence and advancing age pose. Yet, undeterred by doubts, he remains resolute, drawing inspiration from others who’ve defied the odds.

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While acknowledging the challenges ahead, Valenzuela’s focus remains steadfast on conditioning and weight management. He said, “I’m not hearing anything negative from anybody. I’m just trying to keep it simple and moving forward. As far as the physical fitness part of it, I think it’ll will take me another month to 45 days to get ready. The weight is the most important thing. When you get older, it’s harder to lose weight. I weigh 128 now.” He recognizes the significance of physical fitness, especially as age tends to amplify the complexities of shedding excess pounds.

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