Stewards Ask Valenzuela to Meet With Them

Pat Valenzuela has been asked to appear before Santa Anita stewards today because he was late notifying track authorities that he wasn’t riding Wednesday.

Valenzuela, who missed five mounts, called the stewards after substitute riders had already been used in some of the races. John Herbuveaux, one of the stewards, said Valenzuela called to say there had been a mix-up between him and his agent, Ron Ebanks, about who was supposed to call the stewards. Valenzuela and Ebanks didn’t return phone calls seeking comment Wednesday afternoon.

Valenzuela, who took off his last six mounts Sunday complaining about a sore knee, told the stewards that he was scheduled to see a doctor on Wednesday. Valenzuela underwent knee surgery for cartilage damage in May.

Valenzuela, who has a history of being suspended for drug-related problems, agreed in January to a year-long license that included strict conditions. Valenzuela didn’t ride from July 2004 until Jan. 15 because of a suspension.

-- Bill Christine