BY SARAH WELK BAYNUM
John Ropes, a Florida native and real estate consultant, has been involved in the horse racing business for over 40 years. He owns a small farm in Ocala where he breeds, trains, and races horses. His most successful horse, Dorth Vader, won the Grade 2 Davona Dale stakes race. Ropes is also excited about his two-year-old colt, Waltzing Mitole, who is showing great promise. He values the lessons and joy that horses bring to his life and is proud to be a part of the Florida-bred program.