Hendricks, who trained Brother Derek, disbands his stable

Dan Hendricks, who has trained horses on the Southern California circuit since 1981, sent out his last starter on Sunday when R L Stable’s Matson finished ninth in Del Mar's 10th race, a $50,000 maiden-claimer for 2-year-olds.

“Don’t really have any plans,” said the 61-year-old conditioner 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 showed that during his career, the Los Angeles native has started 4,890 horses, won 734 races and had purse earnings of $32,170,947.

He followed his father Lee and uncle Byron (who were twins) into training. His first job at the track was with the late trainer Willard Proctor and he spent nine years as an assistant with Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella prior to going out on his own in 1987.

Among his major stakes winners were millionaire Brother Derek, victorious in the Santa Anita Derby; millionaire Om, winner of the Del Mar Derby, and Daytona, hero of the Hollywood Derby. He also registered notable stakes scores with Runaway Dancer, Smooth Player, Private Persuasion and Stylish Star.

Hendricks was involved in a serious motocross accident in 2004 and was paralyzed from the waist down. He adapted to an electric wheelchair and was back training horses six weeks after the mishap.

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.”