Mike Repole, owner of Breeders’ Cup Classic third Fierceness, said giving the prize to Griffin Johnson, an ambassador employed to promote racing in the US, was a conflict of interest
The billionaire owner of Breeders’ Cup Classic third Fierceness has slammed the decision to award a racehorse ownership prize to an influencer paid to promote the sport in the United States.
Griffin Johnson is a content creator, social media influencer, actor and singer with more than 14 million followers who was introduced to horse racing through America’s Best Racing’s ‘A Stake in Stardom’ campaign when he was gifted a share in Kentucky Derby contender Sandman. Johnson’s behind the scenes videos of Sandman’s campaign reached more than 200 million people and generated more than 35 million views and he has since become part-owner of another Grade 2-winning horse.
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His work was recognised on Thursday when he was named OwnerView 2025 New Owner of the Year. Project manager Gary Falter said: “Griffin Johnson has had an incredible impact on horse racing through his social media platforms, helping to create new fans, which will ultimately result in new owners.”
Johnson posted on his X account: “This has been the best year of my life. Thank you to everyone that dedicates themselves daily to keeping these horses healthy & running for all of us to enjoy.
“This game has already given me more than I could have ever imagined & I am forever grateful. I know I made plenty of mistakes, and I still have a lot to learn… but I have grown to deeply love this sport. I can’t wait to keep building in 2026.”
There was a mixed reaction to the award, notably from Mike Repole who operates one of the most successful strings of racehorses in the US and is an outspoken critic of the way the sport is run..
In his own post he said: “This has nothing to do with Griffin Johnson, he seems like a great guy who’s passionate about the sport.
“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.
“You’ve all heard me talk about the conflicts of interest that plague this industry. Here’s how this one plays out: OwnerView is owned by The Jockey Club, America’s Best Racing (ABR) also owned by The Jockey Club, pays Griffin Johnson as a racing ambassador, Terry Finley, CEO of West Point Thoroughbreds and a Jockey Club Steward, gives Griffin a small ownership stake in Sandman. Then Jockey Club President Jim Gagliano and his board which includes Finley has OwnerView select him as New Owner of the Year.”
He continued: “Meanwhile, we are watching a declining foal crop, inflated horse valuations, and record profits for breeders and sellers many of whom conveniently sit on the Jockey Club’s Board of Stewards.
“While horseplayers, track operators, owners and trainers struggle, and people are suffering, these guys are having their best financial years ever!!!!!
“The class-action, antitrust, and conflict-of-interest lawsuits aren’t just coming, they’re inevitable!!!! Let’s fix this damn sport already!!!!!”
