Pennsylvania-bred horse to run in Kentucky Derby

PINE GROVE, Pa. —

A Pennsylvania-bred horse has a shot at winning the Kentucky Derby this weekend.

Angel of Empire will start in the 14th post position.

The horse was born in April 2020 at the Blackstone Farm in Pine Grove, Schuylkill County.

Christian Black and Doug Black – no relation – are partners in the 350-acre farm.

“He wasn’t the biggest,” Doug said.

“He had personality, but he was just never any trouble. He never really got sick,” Christian said.

For his first 17 months, Angel of Empire grew up at one of the commonwealth’s premier horse breeding farms.

“It’s a very peaceful place, and the horses need that. It gives them the best chance, really, before they go to be broken and into training to have the best life before they get to the track,” Doug said.

Angel of Empire was sold at auction at Keeneland in September 2021 for $70,000 to Albaugh Family Stables in Iowa.

His win in the Arkansas Derby made him a horse to watch in the Run for the Roses.

“He’s a closer, a stalker,” Christian said.

“He looks like he can run all day,” Doug said.

His success is a boon to the state’s thoroughbred industry.

“It’ll be great for Pennsylvania,” Christian said.

Doug will watch the race at home while Christian is going to his first derby.

“Just take it all in. Just happy to be part of it. It’s going to be a great experience,” Christian said.

Angel of Empire will try to become the third Pennsylvania-bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby after Lil E. Tee in 1992 and Smarty Jones in 2004.

You can watch the most exciting two minutes in sports on WGAL. Coverage begins at noon on Saturday.

Cover Photo Credit to WGAL

Orginal Source Credited to wgal.com

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