How many Times is To Many?

Through the years I have watched many jockeys make extraordinary comebacks. Just recently jockey Tyler Baze came back from dealing with some personal problems and has risen to the top of the racing scene once again. However, no one has made as many successful comebacks as jockey Patrick Valenzuela. Considered one of the most naturally talented jockeys to ever ride, he has had a career that has been plagued with personal problems that have caused him to miss a lot of time in the saddle. Despite these problems he has always been welcomed back by trainers and owners who have given him the opportunity for success which he has been able to capitalize on. Time after time Pat's natural ability on horses has led him back to the top of the standings. His numbers stack up well against any top rider who has been able to ride many more years than Pat. He has ridden some of the greatest horses and won some of the greatest races. Even that being said his problems have always led him away from the sport of kings. There are hundreds of jockeys who would love to have the chances that Pat has thrown away. Just one of his many horses could have changed the life of a struggling jockey who gets up every morning and works hard everyday just hoping for that one big opportunity. It makes for feelings of bitterness and jealousy to see someone given chance after chance just to throw it all away. Of course with each return there is the promise of change. Now Pat Valenzuela is back again only this time things have changed. Having trouble getting licensed in California, Pat began his return at Zia Park in New Mexico. With his first two rides ending up in the winners circle it looked as though he was ready to make another great return to racing. From there Pat went on to finish with two wins from 30 starts. Not the results you would expect from him. He was then able to secure a license in California which appeared ready to give Pat one more chance. He has since started riding at Hollywood Park. Surely being back in California where he has had so much success would lead him to another big comeback. It seems, however, that with only 2 wins from 29 starts things are not going as planned. That brings me to the question of how many times is to many? Pat is not as young as he used to be so is his age a factor in this. Could it be that the natural gift he had been given is gone. Maybe he has finally used up all his chances. It is still to early to tell, but it will be interesting to see how it unfolds. The shame of it all is that all those opportunities could have helped so many other small time riders make big time careers rather than be wasted away.