North Carolina is not known for being a central hub for Thoroughbred racing. Despite the sport’s deep roots in the state that dates back to the colonial era, only a handful of steeplechase events take place each year. Furthermore, according to The Jockey Club records, only one mare was registered as bred in North Carolina in 2024.
Yet, North Carolina has found itself on the 2025 Road to the Kentucky Derby following the frontrunning score of Speed King in the $1 million Southwest Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park Jan. 25. The gray or roan colt who now ranks second on the Kentucky Derby (G1) point leaderboard was bred by Nancy Shuford, whose Rock House Farm sits just outside of Hickory, N.C.
Shuford has experienced success before, breeding three-time grade 1 winner Beach Patrol and graded stakes winners Dancinginherdreams , Oscar A., Pretty N Cool , Stuff and Things, and Texas Wedge . However, she has never had a horse on the Kentucky Derby trail…