VERSAILLES, Kentucky AP - Belmont Stakes winner Creator has been retired and will stand at stud in Japan.

Owners WinStar Farm said Creator had been bought by the Japan Bloodhorse Breeders' Association to stand at Shizunai Stallion Station in Hokkaido.

"Last year we visited the JBBA, and I was impressed with their facilities and overall program,'' Elliott Walden, WinStar's president, said.

"They've done such a great job with American horses like Empire Maker and Forty Niner, and we hope Creator can have a similar impact for Japan and its breeders.''

Trained by Steven Asmussen, Creator also won the Arkansas Derby and had three victories in 12 career starts.

He last raced in late August, finishing seventh in the Travers at Saratoga.