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About Rosegrove Farm

Rosegrove Farm was founded in Ocala, Florida in 1985 by John Ropes, a real estate executive consultant and developer who became deeply involved in Thoroughbred racing and breeding. Since its establishment, the farm has been part of Ocala’s rise as the “Horse Capital of the World,” contributing to Florida’s Thoroughbred industry through breeding, racing, and notable horses like Champion Dorth Vader. With a reputation for raising competitive racehorses and contributing to the state’s vibrant horse industry, Rosegrove Farm embodies the love of its horses.

🐎 The History of Rosegrove Farm

Rosegrove Farm, founded in 1985 by John Ropes in Ocala, Florida, is steeped in both heritage and heart. Ropes’ passion for racing began in 1980 when he claimed his first horse, Half French, who went on to win allowance races in Canada and sparked a lifelong devotion to Thoroughbreds. From its humble beginnings, Rosegrove became the birthplace of champions, including Mucho Macho Man, winner of the 2013 Breeders’ Cup Classic. Today, Rosegrove thrives with mares in Kentucky and Florida, guided by trusted advisors and a dedicated crew who treat horses like family. Its most celebrated star, Dorth Vader— named with a playful nod to Ropes’ partner Dorothy Harden—delivered his first graded stakes victory going off at 46-1 odds and clearing the field by four-and-three-quarter lengths, embodying the farm’s spirit of resilience, excellence, and joy. Champion Dorth Vader followed it up with her G1 win in the Odgen Phipps stakes race securing her berth in the 2025 Breeders Cup championship. John Ropes’ band of horses includes past dual stakes-placed mare Happy Week and graded stakes-placed LeCordon Bleu and multiple graded stakes-placed Miracle Runner.

Promising Young horses ever on the horizon, Rosegrove Farm continues to honor Ocala’s equine legacy while galloping toward a future of new triumphs. Rosegrove’s commitment and philosophy is summed up as follows: “I have learned what it means to be in the horse business – you are here for the love of the horse. They are magnificent creatures who teach valuable lessons to me and the Rosegrove Farm family every day. The birth of horses for me brings the promise of life and anticipation of great things to come. I wonder if each foal will be the next Derby or Oaks winner, or if one of my horses will give birth to one. Horse racing is the only sport where you have two phenomenal athletes working together in tandem to achieve success. I am honored to be in the horsebusiness all these years.” -John Ropes