30th horse dies at Santa Anita racetrack

ARCADIA, Calif. — A horse died after exercising Saturday, the 30th equine death since December, at historic Santa Anita Park, leading to the ban of a Hall of Fame trainer, track officials said.

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American Currency, a 4-year-old gelding, suffered an injury while exercising and was euthanized, Mike Marten, spokesman with the California Horse Racing Board, told KTLA.

The Stronach Group, which operates the track, banned Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer later in the day.

“Individuals who do not embrace the new rules and safety measures that put horse and rider safety above all else, will have no place at any Stronach Group racetrack,” track officials said in a statement. “We regret that Mr. Hollendorfer’s record in recent months at both Santa Anita and Golden Gate Fields 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.”

In March, track officials announced sweeping changes banning the use of whips and medications on race day.

"This horse was not entered to run in any race, so therefore was not reviewed by the panel that was formed to review horses entered to race," Marten told KTLA.

Cox Media Group