PINE GROVE, Pa. — Blackstone Farm near Pine Grove is a place in Schuylkill County that many racehorses call home.
One horse in this year's Kentucky Derby lineup used to graze this field. Angel of Empire was born and bred on Blackstone Farm.
Christian Black, the farm manager, took care of him.
"He's always looked like a horse that will be going the distance that we're going to see on the first Saturday in May, which is a mile and a quarter," said Black.
Angel of Empire is the only horse in Pennsylvania competing in the Kentucky Derby this year. It's an honor the owners of Blackstone Farm say less than 0.1 percent of horses achieve in their entire racing career.
"There's 20 horses going into the race every year, and the fact that he is one out of the 20 is a big accomplishment within itself," said Black.
Doug Black, the owner of Blackstone Farm, credits Angel of Empire's success with raising him in Schuylkill County.
"The terrain of the land here, we have rolling hills, we have open spaces, this is a quiet, peaceful place, and the horses love it. That's all important when raising a good horse," said Doug.
Angel of Empire is Blackstone Farm's second horse to make it to the Kentucky Derby track.
Christian will leave later this week to help the horse get ready for the big race. He's excited to watch his hard work pay off.
"All the hard work, all the long nights foaling, taking care of the foals, you know you put in all this time and effort, it's a lifestyle, and you have to have a big desire and love for the horse. But when you get to the Derby, you get to enjoy the fruits of that," said Christian.
"To make it there is a really big honor, but the ultimate goal obviously is to win the race. It would be the biggest feather in our cap, I think," said Doug.
Angel of Empire is already in Louisville and will race in the Kentucky Derby Saturday, May 6.
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