News


Jockey Raul Valenzuela Suspended For Allegedly Possessing Buzzer
Jockey Raul Valenzuela has been suspended by the board of stewards at Ruidoso Downs.

© Scott Martinez
Jockey Raul Valenzuela Suspended For Allegedly Possessing Buzzer

RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM—AUGUST 19, 2014—According to a story published on the dailyracingform.com Vince Mares, executive director of the New Mexico State Racing Commission, said the board of stewards at Ruidoso Downs has suspended Quarter Horse jockey Raul Valenzuela for allegedly possessing of an electrical device.

Mares told the dailyracingform.com Monday that Valenzuela could be subject to an additional hearing in coming days, pending an ongoing investigation. The jockey could face a lengthy suspension for the alleged possession. Mares said the investigation would determine whether Valenzuela would be allowed to keep his jockey’s license.

Valenzuela, who rides most of the year at Los Alamitos, had one win in five mounts at Ruidoso Downs from Thursday through Saturday, riding time trials for the All American Futurity on Thursday and Friday and one trial for the All American Derby on Saturday. He finished fourth on One Slick Cartel in an All American Derby trial.

Valenzuela was scheduled to ride Scatmandu in the Bank of America California Challenge at Los Alamitos on Sunday evening, but was replaced by Guillermo Suarez.

The 20-year-old jockey began his career riding in Arizona and rode his first winner at Rillito Park in 2010. He moved to Los Alamitos early last year and won his first race there in June 2013. Valenzuela rode the filly Nellie Delaney to wins in the Southern California Derby last December and the Los Alamitos Winter Championship earlier this year.