Pat Valenzuela, one of the most talented and polarizing jockeys of his generation, is on the verge of an unlikely return to the saddle at age 63 after nearly a decade away from racing. The Hall of Fame rider, whose career has spanned both historic highs and well-documented struggles, is expected to make his comeback at Turf Paradise in Arizona as early as next week, pending final confirmation from racing officials.

Valenzuela, a two-time classic winner best known for guiding Sunday Silence to victories in the 1989 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, has not ridden in a race since late 2016 at Fair Grounds. In the years since, attempts to regain a full jockey’s license in California were denied, though he has remained active as an exercise rider.

From a storied racing family, Valenzuela’s uncle, Ismael Valenzuela, also captured two Kentucky Derby victories, along with two Preakness wins aboard Tim Tam and Forward Pass. Pat recorded his first career victory at Sunland Park in New Mexico in November 1978, beginning a career that would span decades.

He further burst onto the national scene in 1980, winning the Santa Anita Derby at just 17 years old. Valenzuela later appeared among the top 10 riders by earnings multiple times in the early 2000s, reinforcing his place among the sport’s elite.

It remains to be seen how his return in Arizona will unfold, but if Valenzuela is able to ride successfully and without incident, a move back to larger racing circuits could soon follow.