Early in his career, Fernando Valenzuela won five races in one day at Santa Anita. He also won 32 races in 19 days at Fairplex Park. Unfortunately, racing is a game of "what have you done for me lately?" and the rider's most recent stats hadn't been as stellar.
"I needed to jumpstart my career," Valenzuela said. "This fall, when my old friend, Eddie Garcia, had lost his last horse, I said, 'Come on Eddie, let's go!'' Even though he had never hustled book before, it has worked out really well for both of us."
Aztec handsome, articulate and a likeable guy, Fernando Valenzuela also has the riding ability that all young men from his famous racing family possess.
"You have to believe in your product if you are going to sell it," trainer-turned-agent Garcia stated. "Fernando rode for me when I was a trainer. I know if he is on live horses, they will be right there. It makes my job easy."
"Since Eddie started handling my business, we have been winning at a 12 percent clip," informed Valenzuela. "The owners and trainers have been very supportive. The Ansons, Old English Rancho, Bob Marshall, Joshua Litt, Donnie Warren and Clifford Sise have all put us on live horses."
When Sise had a problem filly, Chastity Belle, he turned to Fernando for help.
"I need someone who will ride this filly regardless of how bad she breaks," Sise told Valenzuela, "She can spot the field ten lengths and still win if you ride her properly."
Valenzuela accepted the challenge and the rest is history.
"Even I was skeptical when we were 15 lengths behind the field, but Cliff was right. I've never been on a horse that got left so badly and won so easily!" Valenzuela enthused.
"It's really great to be on live horses again. I'm having a lot of fun working horses that I have a shot to ride and have a chance to win (on)," Valenzuela stated.
"We're gonna have a big year!" Garcia chimed in. "Give us 'til Del Mar and fogettaboudit!"
Did you know?
Fernando Valenzuela won the El Cajon S. (G2) on Sunny Blossom.
