A human comeback: Patrick Valenzuela returns to the winner's circle… and begins anew

At age 63 and following a winless drought of nearly ten years, “P. Val” provided an emotional spark at Turf Paradise in a tale of redemption and grit

Patrick Valenzuela scores comeback victory at Turf Paradise / PAULICK REPORT

PHOENIX, Arizona (Special to Turf Diario)— Some wins transcend the Beyer speed figure or the photo finish. Patrick Valenzuela’s victory on Wednesday at Turf Paradise was a win for the soul.

At age 63, nearly ten years removed from his last trip to the winner’s circle, the legendary rider proved he still has the touch. Guiding Definitely Prbable to a narrow score in a one-mile turf event for 3-year-old fillies, Valenzuelareminded the racing world of the talent that once took him to the top of the sport.

The scene at the scales was telling. In a nod to both his long absence and his standing in the room, fellow jockeys doused him with water and shaving cream—the standard hazing for a "bug" rider’s first win. While it was lighthearted, the gesture carried the weight of a community welcoming back one of its own.

Prior to Wednesday, “P. Val’s” most recent win came on November 25, 2016, at Fair Grounds. The years since have been a well-documented struggle with the personal demons and substance abuse issues that have repeatedly derailed a Hall of Fame-caliber career.

As recently as 2025, California regulators denied his application for a riding license, restricting him to morning works. However, Turf Paradise officials granted him a conditional license in March, contingent upon strict adherence to a testing protocol.

After finishing third in his first mount back on March 30, Valenzuela made the most of his lone ride on Wednesday’s program.

Aboard the Improbable filly, sent off as the 7-5 choice, Valenzuela turned in a vintage performance. He saved ground stalking the pace, angled out for the drive to overtake Fly Farther (Connect), and dug in late to repel a bid from Dame It Dani (Stay Thirsty) by a desperate head.

The win brings his career tally to 4,373. A native of Colorado, Valenzuela became a household name in 1989 as the regular rider of Sunday Silence (Halo), winning the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1) during a historic rivalry with Easy Goer (Alydar).

His career has been defined by a cycle of brilliant peaks and self-inflicted valleys. Wednesday’s win wasn't about the purse or the pedigree; it was about the resilience required to step back into the irons one more time. For Valenzuela, the greatest victory wasn't hitting the wire—it was getting back to the gate.