Trainer Hurt in Accident

Horse trainer Dan Hendricks, 45, is in intensive care in Riverside County Hospital after being injured in a motocross accident Wednesday afternoon.

An assistant to hall of fame trainer Richard Mandella for nine years before going out on his own in 1987, Hendricks was rushed to the hospital with a spinal injury to the lower part of his body.

Roger Licht, a California Horse Racing Board commissioner and horse owner, said the injury was serious but that Hendricks was conscious. “He feels like he’s going to be training again by the end of Del Mar,” said Licht. Del Mar begins its 43-day meet July 21 and will continue through Sept. 8.

As soon as Hendricks is able, he will be moved to UC San Diego Medical Center where, Licht said, he will start rehabilitation and have surgery if necessary.

Married and a father of three, Hendricks has had stakes success with horses such as Gray Slewpy, Feverish, Reba’s Gold, Private Persuasion, Runaway Dancer, Stylish Star, Blushing Heiress and Bountiful Native.

-- Bob Mieszerski