Ocala horses set to compete in Kentucky Derby

OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) — Several horses with ties to Ocala are set to compete in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, with the Kentucky Oaks underway Friday at Churchill Downs.

Local equestrian expert Louisa Barton is at Churchill Downs following the horses connected to Marion County. She said preparation this week has been nonstop.

“Further ado, who is running in the Kentucky Derby this Saturday is also an Ocala Breeders’ Sales grad, actually went through 6K’s consignment with Scott Kent,” Barton said. “He was very excited about this horse, but he had great potential and he said that this horse is one that takes break naps.”

Tom Ventura, president of Ocala Breeders’ Sales, said Further Ado was one of their favorites.

“So happy is that a horse we’re very, very excited to see in this race, has a great backstory and so happy is also an Ocala Breeders’ Sales grad, first call in the first few years of consigning horses,” Barton said.

“There are a lot of horses in the Kentucky Derby this Saturday that have connections to Marion County,” Barton said. “We’re actually standing at the barn of hall of famer Bob Baffert. He has two very exciting horses in the Kentucky Derby, Pretente and Emerging Market. Both of those horses did their training at Niall Brandon stables in Ocala.”

Barton said many of this year’s contenders have strong connections to Ocala, with some horses trained, sold or starting their careers in the area.

One of those horses includes So Happy, ridden by Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, along with several others tied to local farms and trainers.

Video shows grooming and prepping of the horses started early.

Barton said it’s a reflection of how important Ocala is to the thoroughbred industry. She is the host of The Horse Talk Show on TV20 and director of the Equine Initiative at the Chamber in Ocala.

The Kentucky Derby runs Saturday.

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