Former Florida trainer Azpurua dies at 82

Leo Azpurua Sr., a retired trainer and bloodstock agent whose greatest successes came through the breaking, training, or selling of young horses, died Wednesday in Gainesville, Fla. He was 82.

Born into a racing family in Venezuela, Azpurua was among the trainers on hand during the first year at Calder Race Course in 1971. His son, Leo Jr., began training in the mid-1970s and remains active in south Florida, as does his brother, Manny Azpurua.

Leo Azpurua Sr. founded Parkhurst Farms in the Ocala, Fla., area in 1980, and more than 180 stakes winners got their start at the farm, according to Leo Jr. Among those horses were Sweetnorthernsaint, Caltech, Certain, Plenty of Light, and Dance for Thee.

In partnership, father and son owned Manicero, a winner of seven stakes in 2010-11. In his earlier training days, Leo Azpurua Sr. saddled Sir Sir to run in all three 1977 Triple Crown events won by Seattle Slew.

Funeral services are private.