Thorpedo Anna races for glory and family in Kentucky Oaks spotlight

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (KBSI ) — As Thorpedo Anna prepares to take the track in the 151st Kentucky Oaks, the undefeated filly is making headlines not only for her racing prowess but also for the story behind her name — a name rooted in love, legacy and family.

Thorpedo Anna has quickly become a standout in the racing world, winning 10 of her 12 career starts and earning recognition as a frontrunner for Horse of the Year. But for co-owner Mark Edwards, her success means even more — because she’s named after his granddaughter.

“I’ve got a certain appreciation for all of them, but Thorpedo Anna would be the best one,” Edwards said. “She’s got to be the most successful, and she’s named after my granddaughter.”

Anna Thorp, now a young adult, recalls the moment she found out the filly carried her name.

“I’m the oldest, and he hadn’t named one after any of us yet,” she said. “But I didn’t really think it would go this far.”

Edwards has been in the horse racing business for nearly 15 years and has owned many horses — but this is the first one named after a family member. The bond between the two has grown stronger through their shared love of the sport.

“We’ve watched so many races together that it’s like our relationship,” Thorp said. “It’s just been really fun and really cool to share that with him.”

Now in Louisville, the family is eager to watch Thorpedo Anna compete on one of racing’s biggest stages.

Back where the story began, breeder Judy Hicks remembers the filly’s early days at Brooks Town Farm in Kentucky. Even as a young horse, Hicks said Thorpedo Anna stood out.

“As she was growing, her development was eye-catching. Her hind end was starting to develop more than some of the others, and she was starting to get a feisty attitude,” Hicks said. “She’s gone down in history as a horse that people are going to talk about for many, many years to come.”

The Kentucky Oaks will be held Friday at Churchill Downs, and the Thorp family is hoping Thorpedo Anna’s story continues with a win — and more unforgettable memories.