Griffin Johnson

This week on the TDN Writers' Room presented by Keeneland, get ready for a special Best of 2025 episode. Throughout the year, people from all corners of the industry joined us on the show as the Gainesway Guest of the Week to provide candid conversations and insights. In this episode, we roll out the highlight reel of the most compelling interviews of 2025, bringing back the voices and moments that defined the season. This week listeners will hear from: Griffin Johnson: The popular social media star and entrepreneur discusses his...

The TDN Writers' Room saw a host of entertaining and enlightening guests in 2025. Here's a look at few of our favorites: Griffin Johnson, Terry Bradshaw, Junior Alvarado, and a collection of industry veterans who shared stories of the legendary D. Wayne Lukas.

The Turf Publicists of America (TPA) will award the 2025 Big Sport of Turfdom award to social media influencer Griffin Johnson, the organization announced Wednesday. The annual award recognizes a person or group who enhances coverage of Thoroughbred racing through cooperation with media and racing publicists. Johnson entered horse racing in 2024 through America's Best Racing's "A Stake in Stardom" campaign as a partial owner of Grade I winner Sandman (Tapit) with West Point Thoroughbreds. Johnson is also a part-owner of Grade II winner Ewing (Knicks Go). As an ambassador...

Damon Thayer has retired from his job as the Senate Majority Floor Leader in the state of Kentucky, where he was one of horse racing's staunchest and most important allies. Thayer may no longer be walking the halls of the Capitol in Frankfort, but he is still working hard to help the sport he loves. He is now a senior advisor with Thoroughbred Racing Initiative (TRI), a group devoted to stopping decoupling efforts at Gulfstream Park and to see to it that racing in South Florida remains a vital part...

OwnerView has named influencer and content creator Griffin Johnson as their 2025 New Owner of the Year, the organization said in a press release on Thursday morning. The award, sponsored by 1/ST RACING, was given to Johnson because of his work with America's Best Racing. The social media star became a part-owner in GISW Sandman (Tapit) with West Point Thoroughbreds and in 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard', Ewing (Knicks Go). As an ambassador for the sport, Johnson exposed millions of young people to horse racing. His behind-the-scenes videos with...

Social media influencer Griffin Johnson and XBTV analyst and host Zoe Cadman will co-host Thoroughbred Charities of America's Bash at the Breeders' Cup presented by Churchill Downs Incorporated Oct. 31 at the Del Mar Hilton. The evening will offer savory bites, handcrafted cocktails, live music, and a live auction to benefit the TCA. Tickets to the event are availabe here. Live auction items to be offered will include a Del Mar racing package, a box at the Whitney Stakes in Saratoga, a box at the Blue Grass Stakes, a stay...

The undefeated Ewing (Knicks Go) has been scratched from Saturday's GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity at Keeneland after he returned from a workout "not at 100%" according to his part-owner, Griffin Johnson. Johnson, who announced the news on X, wrote, "West Point and I wanted to break the news that our handsome boy, Ewing, will be scratched from the GI Breeders Futurity. He came out of his work not at 100% (Friday) morning and will be sent home for full exam. Sorry to all the racing fans, but as Mark Casse...

Dan Tordjman has been appointed as president of TJC Media Ventures after previously serving as vice president since 2024, the Jockey Club announced Monday. Overseeing record growth in viewership and engagement with America's Best Racing (ABR) content since joining in 2014, Tordjman has overseen digital strategy, content development, and industry partnerships in his 20 years of professional experience. Prior to his role as vice president, Tordjman served as manager of Partnerships & Sponsorships, building and nurturing strategic relationships with racetracks, ADWs, and other industry stakeholders. His team also created and...

Saturday's racing action at Saratoga and across the country saw not only an eye-catching number of new 'TDN Rising Stars' (the final tally stopping on five), but also current members of the club securing sensational victories against salty competition. With the runners emerging from their efforts with positive prognoses, their connections are now looking ahead. Of the established 'Rising Stars', GII Saratoga Special victor Ewing (Knicks Go) returned from that win in fine form and will now be tasked with stretching his abilities out. The Mark Casse trainee was one...

Everett Dobson has been on the job as the Chair of The Jockey Club for only a matter of days, but there's no doubt that he has his finger on the pulse. Making his first keynote speech at the Round Table Conference on Matters Pertaining to Racing on Thursday in Saratoga Springs, Dobson spoke of the many positive trends he sees with the sport, but he wasn't afraid to delve into the negative issues that still plague racing. "Racing has never been safer for our horses and jockeys," Dobson said....

NBC News's Steve Kornacki, a national political correspondent who covers horse racing, including this year's Triple Crown, will provide the keynote address for the first half of the two-part Annual Round Table Conference on Matters Pertaining to Racing, which will be held at the Hall of Springs in Saratoga Springs, New York, on Thursday, July 31, at 10 a.m. ET. Everett Dobson, chair-elect of The Jockey Club, will be the second-half keynote speaker, and will discuss his plans for the organization and The Jockey Club's ongoing plans to help grow...

BALTIMORE, MD -- In the days leading up to the 150th Preakness, a lot had been made of the one horse that wouldn't make it into Saturday's lineup at Pimlico--Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief). However, those that have been entered in the final renewal of the Classic race before Old Hiltop faces the demolition man are certainly no slouches. Leading the fray, Journalism (Curlin) returns off a runner-up finish in the Run for the Roses. Lest some may have forgotten, however unlikely, he went off post-time favorite for the...