Hall of Fame trainer banned from Santa Anita after 30th horse since Dec. 26 dies

Hall of Fame horse trainer Jerry Hollendorfer was banned from Santa Anita racetrack on Saturday after the death of another horse under his care.

The Los Angeles Times reported that one of Hollendorfer's horses, a 4-year-old gelding named American Currency, was running on a training track when it sustained a life-ending leg injury. It is the 30th horse to be euthanized after sustaining an injury at Santa Anita since Dec. 26, and the fourth from Hollendorfer's stable.

The Stronach Group, which owns Santa Anita and several other racetracks, said in a statement provided to multiple news outlets that Hollendorfer's record "has become increasingly challenging and does not match the level of safety and accountability we demand."

"Effective immediately, Mr. Hollendorfer is no longer welcome to stable, race or train his horses at any of our facilities," the group said in the statement.

Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, shown here in 1998 with horse Event of the Year at Churchill Downs. (Photo: Michael Clevenger, AP)

Hollendorfer, 73, did not immediately reply to a text message from USA TODAY Sports seeking comment.

One of the most accomplished trainers in California, Hollendorfer has been a licensed trainer since 1979 and was inducted into the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame in 2011. He has trained three horses that have won the Eclipse Award, which is given annually to the most outstanding horse in several divisions.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Hollendorfer's horses have won more than 7,600 races and accrued almost $200 million in winnings.

Contributing: The Associated Press

Contact Tom Schad at [email protected] or on Twitter @Tom_Schad.

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