Hollendorfer employee called victim of homicide

Sacramento County (Calif.) sheriff’s detectives are investigating the death of 69-year-old Galen Joseph May, an employee to trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, as a homicide.

May’s body was found in his apartment late Saturday afternoon when a neighbor noticed the door ajar and saw May’s body lying on the floor, according to news reports.

Sgt. Tim Curran, a spokesman for the sheriff’s department, told the Sacramento Bee there were no immediate signs of trauma or forced entry into May’s apartment. The Sacramento County coroner’s office ruled the death a homicide on Monday, although cause of death was not released.

May’s black 1999 Toyota Solara (California license 4FRH715) is missing and considered stolen.

May had worked for 31 years in the receiving barns at Golden Gate Fields and Bay Meadows before retiring in 2003. He traveled with Hollendorfer’s horses, including Blind Luck to Churchill Downs this year where she won the Kentucky Oaks. He had also accompanied Eye of the Tiger, Bwana Bull and Chocolate Candy to Churchill Downs before they ran in the Kentucky Derby.

Sheriff’s deputies are also looking for a motive and are investigating May’s reported regular visits to the Thunder Valley Casino.

Sheriff’s homicide Detective Rob Tracy said that anyone with information about May’s case could contact him at (916) 874-8480.