Jockey great back in N.M., wins thrilling race duel
- By Ray Sanchez
Pat Valenzuela, who spent much of his early childhood in the El Paso area and got his start as a jockey at Sunland Park Racetrack, went on to became one of the greatest riders in the history of horse racing. He’s won some of the biggest races in the country, including the Kentucky Derby and several Breeders Cup events. He had been riding – and winning – regularly at the big tracks in California but an injury last November sidelined him. He suffered broken ribs and a knee injury that required surgery.
He’s on his way to recovery so he came to New Mexico last weekend to try to get back into shape for a return to the big time. It was something like a big leaguer going back to the minors to test and rehabilitate himself.
Valenzuela seems to be recovering well, is showing signs of his old self and is providing the same thrills for which he has become famous. He won a few races at Zia Park in Hobbs and was involved there in one of the most exciting duels I’ve ever witnessed in New Mexico. It happened in the mile long seventh race on Nov. 3. He was aboard a thoroughbred named Devil Action. Also riding in the race was one of the best jockeys in the history of New Mexico, Joe Martinez, a hard-nosed, hard-driving daredevil some have compared to legendary Laffitt Pincay Jr.
During the race, Valenzuela took his horse to the lead as the field entered the stretch. He looked like a sure winner. Suddenly, here comes the never-give-up Martinez on the rail, pumping full force aboard Excessive Stats.
With about half a furlong to go, Martinez caught Valenzuela and actually took the lead. Valenzuela must have wondered where this upstart came from but he wasn’t about to give up. He went to work and both jockeys and both horses battled down the stretch, nose and nose, exchanging the lead every other step. About 100 yards from the finish, Martinez edged his horse’s nose ahead – and kept it there. They continued that way, both jockeys mustering all their God-given talent, all their heart, all their energy, neither one willing to give up.
Valenzuela seemed beaten just a few feet from the wire. Then somehow, some way, almost incredibly, Valenzuela called on some mystic inner ability to edge his horse’s nose in front by the thinnest of margins as the two stormed across the wire.
They say the difference between good and great is a matter of inches. In this case, it was even less than that.
I don’t know how many fans even noticed what was going on. All most care about is the payoff. But I’m sure all true racing fans were as awe-stricken as I was. I was exhausted just watching it on television, but I stood up and cheered.