Griffin Johnson wins Big Sport of Turfdom award
The Turf Publicists of America will present its 2025 Big Sport of Turfdom award to social media influencer Griffin Johnson. The annual award recognizes a person or group who enhances coverage of Thoroughbred racing through cooperation with media and racing publicists.
Born in Paris, Ill., Johnson is a content creator, entrepreneur and investor who has used his talents to redefine how culture, sports and business connect. He has amassed more than 14 million followers across popular social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram and X and has quickly become one of the foremost personal brands of his generation. Johnson also is a co-founder of the venture-capital firm Animal Capital, where he invests and advises early-stage companies shaping the future of consumer tech and lifestyle.
Johnson entered horse racing in 2024 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 is also a part-owner of Grade 2 winner Ewing.
As an ambassador of the sport, Johnson has used his platforms to promote horse racing and has reached more than 200 million people through videos and content, visiting racetracks and providing backstretch access that has generated more than 35 million views.
“In using his platforms and influence, Griffin Johnson has helped grow horse racing by bringing our sport unprecedented exposure,” TPA president Najja Thompson said. “Our membership selected Johnson for this award in recognition of his role as a tremendous ambassador for horse racing and his consistent openness and availability to the media.”
The Big Sport of Turfdom award will be presented in person to Johnson at the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program’s annual awards luncheon on Dec. 9. The luncheon is part of the 2025 Symposium on Racing & Gaming at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Ariz.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive the 2025 Big Sport of Turfdom Award,” Johnson said. “Horse racing has given me a community, a purpose and a platform to help grow the sport I love. I’m grateful to everyone who’s welcomed me into this industry and inspired me to be a small part of its future.”
The luncheon is included in registration fees for the symposium. Additional information about the luncheon may be obtained by contacting TPA secretary-treasurer Dave Zenner.
The Big Sport of Turfdom has been presented annually since 1966. This is the first time Johnson has won the award.
Previous winners include jockeys Mike Smith, Pat Day, Chris McCarron, Bill Shoemaker, Angel Cordero Jr., Eddie Arcaro and Gary Stevens; trainers Art Sherman, D. Wayne Lukas and Jack Van Berg; and other individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport, such as Secretariat’s owner, Penny Chenery, a two-time winner; announcer Tom Durkin, author Laura Hillenbrand, broadcaster Jim McKay, Turf writer Joe Hirsch and actors Tim Conway and Jack Klugman.