Valenzuela says he's ill, will take off

ARCADIA, Calif. -- During a telephone conversation with Dr. Neal Fisher, jockey Pat Valenzuela, who has had substance-abuse problems, said he was going to "take off for three months to straighten out his life," according to Fisher.

In a statement released by Fisher through Santa Anita Park yesterday, Valenzuela, 28, also told the doctor he was sick, but would refuse to be tested for drugs.

Named to ride six horses on California Cup Day, including My Sonny Boy -- who won the $300,000 Classic -- Valenzuela called the Oak Tree stewards late yesterday morning, saying he was sick and that he wished to be taken off his mounts.