The prestigious world of American horse racing has been rocked by a bitter row after a billionaire owner condemned the decision to award a major ownership prize to a social media influencer who is paid to promote the sport.
The Controversial Award
Mike Repole, the prominent owner of Breeders' Cup Classic third-place finisher Fierceness, has publicly slammed the decision by OwnerView to name Griffin Johnson as its 2025 New Owner of the Year. Repole branded the move a 'huge insult' to every owner in the industry.
Griffin Johnson is a content creator, actor, and singer with a following of over 14 million people. He was introduced to horse racing through America's Best Racing's 'A Stake in Stardom' campaign, which gifted him a share in Kentucky Derby contender Sandman.
His behind-the-scenes videos of Sandman's campaign are reported to have reached more than 200 million people and generated over 35 million views. Johnson has since become a part-owner of another Grade 2-winning horse.
A Deeper Conflict of Interest?
While project manager Gary Falter praised Johnson for his 'incredible impact' in creating new fans for the sport, Repole pointed to a deeper issue. In a detailed social media post, he laid out what he sees as a clear conflict of interest.
Repole explained that both OwnerView and America's Best Racing (ABR) are owned by The Jockey Club. He stated that ABR pays Johnson as a racing ambassador, and that Terry Finley, CEO of West Point Thoroughbreds and a Jockey Club Steward, gave Johnson the ownership stake in Sandman. The Jockey Club's board, which includes Finley, then oversaw OwnerView selecting Johnson for the award.
'This has nothing to do with Griffin Johnson, he seems like a great guy who's passionate about the sport,' Repole stated. 'But awarding him New Owner of the Year is a huge insult not just to every new owner this year, but to every owner in the game.'
Broader Industry Concerns
Repole, an outspoken critic of the sport's governance, connected this specific incident to wider problems. He cited a declining foal crop, inflated horse valuations, and record profits for breeders and sellers, many of whom he says sit on the Jockey Club's Board of Stewards.
He contrasted this with the struggles faced by horseplayers, track operators, owners, and trainers. In a fiery conclusion, Repole warned, 'The class-action, antitrust, and conflict-of-interest lawsuits aren't just coming, they're inevitable!!!!'
Meanwhile, Johnson expressed his gratitude for the award on his social media, calling it 'the best year of my life' and stating his deep love for the sport, despite acknowledging he has 'a lot to learn'.
The award has undoubtedly highlighted a significant rift within horse racing, pitting traditional measures of ownership success against modern marketing imperatives and raising serious questions about transparency.
