Trainer Dan Hendricks, who has trained horses on the Southern California circuit since 1981, sent out his last starter when Matson (Congrats) finished off the board in the 10th race Sunday at Del Mar.
“Don't really have any plans,” the 61-year-old conditioner said when asked about his decision. “Time to take a break. Going to clean things up around here, then spend some time traveling. We'll see what comes next after that.”
Going into Sunday, Equibase statistics show that during his career, the Los Angeles native has started 4,890 horses, won 734 races and had purse earnings of $32,170,947.
Hendricks, paralyzed from the waist down following a motocross injury in 2004, trained GI Santa Anita Derby winner Brother Derek, millionaire Om, and Grade I winner Daytona.
When asked what would be the toughest part of his upcoming new life, the wry conditioner said, “Learning how to sleep in in the mornings.”
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