Belvoir moving stable to Turf Paradise

ARCADIA, Calif. – Trainer Vann Belvoir is relocating his stable from Santa Anita to Turf Paradise in Phoenix this week.

Belvoir said Sunday that 18 horses will be sent to Phoenix.

“I’m taking what I have here and adding some there,” Belvoir said. “I think my stock will fit better there.”

Belvoir, 47, has won 609 races, including nine this year from 96 starters.

Belvoir trained Gold Rush Dancer in 2016 and 2017, when the colt won four stakes, including the Grade 3 Longacres Mile at Emerald Downs in 2017. In 2016, the Belvoir-trained Rocket Heat won the Grade 3 Churchill Downs Turf Sprint during Kentucky Derby week.

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Belvoir said his family’s sporting-career needs played a role in the decision. His son Ace is a saddle bronc rider, while daughter Jade is a barrel racer.

“My kids rodeo, and the lifestyle is better over there,” he said.

Belvoir is the second trainer to leave the Southern California Thoroughbred circuit this month. Andrew Lerner disbanded his stable, but will remain in the sport as a horse owner, he said.