Hollendorfer's Assistant Found Dead

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Photo: Rick Samuels

Galen Joseph May with Chocolate Candy

Galen Joseph May, popular assistant to trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, was found dead in his apartment in Sacramento, Calif., apparently the victim of a homicide.

The Sacramento Bee reported May, 69, was discovered Aug. 28 by a neighbor. The newspaper reported that authorities were investigating how and when May died and also whether his death was related to his frequent visits to an area casino. The newspaper reported that May’s car, a black 1999 Toyota Solara, was missing.

May, who the Bee reported was divorced with two grown children, worked in the receiving barns at Golden Gate Fields and Bay Meadows before retiring in 2003. Upon retirement, May became an assistant to Hollendorfer, serving as the trainer’s head traveling man.

May accompanied Hollendorfer’s horses to major races such as the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) and Kentucky Oaks (gr. I). Among the Derby starters he took to Churchill Downs were Eye of the Tiger, Bwana Bull, and Chocolate Candy. This spring, he took care of Blind Luck when she was at Churchill Downs to prepare for her victory in the Oaks.

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