Milo Valenzuela

[46zilzal]

A good rider who drank himself to near death has passed away at 74 on Wednesday. We used to have a protocol when he was riding at Anita: reds eyes 'on' or red eyes 'off' We noted that the hangover was usually red eyes ON. Too bad a very capable rider.

[Wickel]

I met Milo in Santa Fe through his brother (and Patrick's father) Albino Valenzuela, who was a trainer at The Downs at Santa Fe. Very nice guy, and one of the most talented to ever mount a horse. RIP Milo.

[joanied]

Very sad news:( ... I remember him well...I hope when the Bloodhorse publishes his obit, they do him proud...despite his drinking, he was one of the best.

RIP

[tundral]

Not many can say that great rider.
Always at the second floor of club house at santa anita. RIP

[Norm]

He was one of my favorite riders. How could he not be ? The first Derby I ever saw, I had Tim Tam. It was Valenzuela's very skillful ride that brought Tim Tam home first that day through an amazing traffic jam. Inside, outside and back again, weaving through an obstacle course that would have baffled a modern rider or weaker horse. I remember trainer Jimmie Jones in the winners circle asking, "Are you sure we won ?" Ismael (Milo) Valenzuela was also the regular rider for the great Kelso. I'm glad he was elected to the Hall of Fame while still alive then to enjoy it.

Here's an article from ESPN -
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/news/story?id=4440891&campaign=rss&source=HORSEHeadlines (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/news/story?id=4440891&campaign=rss&source=HORSEHeadlines)