Horse euthanized after training breakdown at Del Mar

DEL MAR (AP) — A 3-year-old gelding that suffered a breakdown in a workout at Del Mar has been euthanized, the fifth horse to die during the fall meet that ends Sunday.

Trained by Hall of Famer Jerry Hollendorfer, Koa was euthanized on Saturday. He had three wins in 10 career starts and earnings of $95,860 for owner Michael Stinson, according to Equibase. Koa finished second in his last start on Nov. 14 at Del Mar.

Hollendorfer was the trainer with the most deaths (four) among 37 since last December at Santa Anita.

The Stronach Group, owners of Santa Anita and Golden Gate Fields, banned Hollendorfer from its racetracks, while Del Mar lost a court decision in July when it tried to prevent him from entering races during its summer meet.

Since Del Mar's fall meet began on Nov. 8, two horses were euthanized after being injured while racing, one died from complications after surgery for injuries during a race and one had an apparent heart attack after training at the seaside track north of San Diego.

Santa Anita opens its winter-spring meet on Dec. 26.