Cleverly Beverly stays in the Stein family

Cleverly Beverly won a maiden race in her 21st try July 6 at Pleasanton as the last horse saddled by owner-trainer Roger Stein. Stein, 60, retired from training due to an incapacitating form of nerve damage called advanced peripheral neuropathy, which has affected his feet and fingers for the past five years.

Cleverly Beverly will make her first start against winners Wednesday at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, running in a starter-allowance race on turf with Joshua Stein, Roger’s nephew, training her now.

Roger Stein was a champion harness trainer who enjoyed success with Thoroughbreds despite a limited budget. He is one of racing’s great ambassadors, with a long-running radio show in Southern California.

Stein retired after losing strength and dexterity. He said that when he’d rub a horse’s leg, he couldn’t feel heat in a knee or ankle, which would be a warning sign of a possible problem.

“My nephew’s been working for me, and he deserves the chance to go out on his own,” said Stein, who lamented that he wasn’t able to be more of a help to his nephew because of his own physical problems.