Ismael Valenzuela Inducted into Racing Hall of Fame

Ismael Valenzuela with Dapper Dan in the 1965 Kentucky Derby. (AP Images)"]

Ismael Valenzuela, age 73, more commonly known as "Milo" has received an early induction to the National Museums of Racing Hall of Fame. The winner of 2,545 races during a career that spanned almost 30 years will attend a special ceremony in Santa Anita Sunday evening, as he is unable to travel to Saratoga Springs for the annual induction ceremony.

Born Christmas day 1934 in McNary, Texas, Valenzuela was one of 22 children in his family, who relocated back to their native Mexico shortly after his birth. He returned to the United States at the age of 14 to work with quarter horses, all the while sending money home to help support his parents.

From that point on, Valenzuela embarked on a career as a jockey that saw him come just short of winning the Triple Crown in 1958 with Tim Tam. He also was the most frequent rider of Kelso, who won 22 of 35 races, and was named Horse of the Year 5 consecutive times between 1960 and 1964.

As part of the ceremony, Valenzuela will receive the traditional jacket and plaque, presented courtesy of Hall of Fame trustee Beverly Lewis. Ismael Valenzuela was long considered to be one of the sports greats, and many consider his induction to the Hall of Fame a formality.

Get all your online horse betting in the Bodog Racebook today.