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DEL MAR, Calif. -- Patrick Valenzuela was winless with three mounts at Del Mar on Wednesday, his first day of riding in California since December 2007.

For the 47-year-old Valenzuela, whose career of 4,144 Thoroughbred wins has been plagued by frequent substance abuse problems, the losses were not considered a setback. On July 22, Valenzuela, who has ridden primarily in Louisiana in recent years, received a license from the California Horse Racing Board, contingent on frequent drug testing and counseling for alcoholism.

Acquisition of the license ended Valenzuela's quest to be reinstated in California after he lost a conditional license over a drunk driving charge in December 2007.

"I always thought it would happen but I didn't know when," Valenzuela said of his comeback in California. "I wasn't going to stop trying to get back home. I may not be leading rider now, but I can try to win as many races as I can."

Wednesday, Valenzuela finished second in the first race on Alaska Miss, fifth in the fifth race on Dr. Tong, and third on Warrensmysterydice in the sixth race. None of those horses was favored.

Valenzuela said his goals are "to have fun, win races, and stay clean and sober and do the best I can, to be an asset to California racing."

Valenzuela said he attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Louisiana, completing a mandatory program and then attending sessions on his own. He is mandated to attend such sessions as part of his stipulated agreement with the California Horse Racing Board regarding his existing license.

Support for Valenzuela has increased since his return. He has three mounts on Thursday and Friday and is booked on seven of Saturday's 10 races.

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