OwnerView announced today that the 2025 New Owner of the Year, sponsored by 1/st Racing, is being awarded to Griffin Johnson.
Johnson is an American content creator, social media influencer, actor, and singer with more than 14 million followers. Johnson was a founding member and resident of the Sway House, a Bel Air mansion and hub for famous TikTok creators. He is also a co-founder and operating partner of venture capital firm Animal Capital.
In 2024, Johnson entered the sport of horse racing through America's Best Racing's A Stake in Stardom campaign as a partial owner of grade 1 winner Sandman with West Point Thoroughbreds. Johnson also became a part owner in Ewing, a grade 2 winner.
As an ambassador for the sport, Johnson makes time to speak with the media and has exposed millions of young people to horse racing. His behind-the-scenes videos with Sandman reached more than 200 million people and generated more than 35 million views.
"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," said Gary Falter, project manager for OwnerView. "We appreciate his continued promotion of the sport and look forward to his future success as an owner."
The New Owner of the Year Award has been presented to MyRacehorse, Larry Best, the Churchill Downs Racing Club, Charles and Susan Chu, LNJ Foxwoods, Sol Kumin, Boat Racing, Richard Dawson and Pat Kearney, Jim and Dana Bernhard and Alexander Bregman, and John Stewart and Jayson Werth.
The 2025 Thoroughbred Owner Conference series was hosted by The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and presented by Bessemer Trust, Keeneland, and Stoll Keenon Ogden. There is no registration fee for the live or recorded virtual conference panels, but registration is required. Registration information is available at ownerview.com/event/conference or by contacting Gary Falter at gfalter@jockeyclub.com.
