Pennsylvania’s thoroughbred racing industry is successful in its own right. Schuylkill County’s Blackstone Farm is responsible for breeding horses that have qualified for the Kentucky Derby. It has the potential to produce the first Kentucky Derby winners in years, writes Tom de Martini for The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.  

Angel of Empire is a strong contender to be the next Smarty Jones. Bred by owner Christian Black, she has racing pundits expecting a big win. Black has been the commonwealth’s lead breeder between 2019-2022.

Kennett Square-based Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association pays award money to breeders, like Blackstone Farms. Blackstone Farms has earned $18,000 throughout February 2023 in awards from the Association.

Angel of Empire was sold to Albaugh Family Stables for $70,000 in 2021, and then sent to trainer Brad Cox. The training paid off and Angel of Empire earned points in races throughout the country, which qualified him for the Kentucky Derby.  

The colt who is staying at the Churchill Downs barn. He will compete in the 149th Kentucky Derby this May. 

Read more about the Kennett-Square awarded horse breeder in The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.  

Angel of Empire arrives at Churchill Downs.