[Sports World]

ARCADIA, Calif. - Jockey Patrick Valenzuela, whose license was revoked by the California Horse Racing Board on Friday after a recent charge of driving under the influence of alcohol, should retire and not attempt another comeback, according to his agent, Tom Knust.

Speaking on Friday, hours after Valenzuela learned his conditional license was revoked for a DUI in Upland, Calif., on Dec. 20, Knust said that the 45-year-old jockey has been battling weight problems in recent months. Knust said he advised Valenzuela to quit riding after a 29-year career that includes a victory in the 1989 Kentucky Derby aboard Sunday Silence and seven wins in Breeders' Cup races.

Valenzuela had been riding under a conditional license issued by the racing board that mandated random drug testing. The license dictated that he abstain from consuming or possessing alcohol or entering "a public place where alcohol is the principal commodity for sale or use," according to a statement released by the racing board Friday.

Because of the DUI, Valenzuela may be unable to gain another racing license in California.

"The chances of him riding again are very slim," Knust said. "My suggestion to him was he's got to live and pay bills and he's got a family to support. He may have to look at other career opportunities.

"The weight deal is a big thing for him. Trying to diet all the time and reduce, I think with some people it's too much pressure. Maybe he puts too much pressure on himself."

Knust said that Valenzuela has had significant trouble trying to keep his weight close to his riding assignments.

"I think he'd be a lot happier human being if he wasn't riding," Knust said. "There has to be a better way to live than the way he's living. I think he knows that he screwed up. I know the weight thing has been a big problem for him. It's unfortunate."

Valenzuela did not return a phone call seeking comment.

Valenzuela's career has been plagued by substance-abuse problems that have led to numerous interruptions.

Valenzuela returned to riding in November after an 11-month break because of knee and rib injuries. Since returning to riding at Zia Park in New Mexico on Nov. 3, and shifting his tack to Hollywood Park on Nov. 17, Valenzuela had won 12 races from 106 mounts.