BY TAMMY GANTT
OCALA, FL—Community members can follow the journey of Thoroughbreds from Marion County as they prepare for the 2025 Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve in a class at the Master the Possibilities education center in Ocala on April 22 from 4-5 p.m. EDT.
Presented by the FTBOA’s Tammy Gantt, the class will introduce contenders for the $5 million Kentucky Derby and their connections to local Thoroughbred breeders, horsemen and training centers. The class includes an insider’s look at this year’s Thoroughbred contenders as they compete in qualifying races around the globe in search of a spot in the starting gate for the 151st Run for the Roses.
With six Florida-bred winners of the Kentucky Derby, Florida has produced more Kentucky Derby winners than any other state, province or country outside of Kentucky including Needles (1956), Carry Back (1961), Foolish Pleasure (1975), Triple Crown-winner Affirmed (1978), Unbridled (1990) and Silver Charm (1997). Each year the Kentucky Derby starting gate is filled with Thoroughbreds who began their early training in Marion County and the surrounding areas.
Master the Possibilities is a not-for-profit lifelong learning center located at 8415 SW 80th Street in Ocala. The center offers a wide range of educational programs and experiences for adult learners while fostering a community of curiosity and growth. For more information or to register for classes, click here.
Future Class Dates:
June 10, 4-5 p.m. – Florida’s Big Connection to Racing’s Triple Crown – Learn about Florida’s significant contributions to the prestigious Triple Crown races. This class highlights the state’s role in producing top-tier racehorses and its influence on the national racing circuit.
Return to the March 13 issue of Wire to Wire
