With a combined following of over 14 million on social media, influencer Griffin Johnson is eagerly venturing into a new arena as he awaits the debut of his racehorse, Sandman, on June 27 at Churchill Downs. Although this marks Johnson’s first ownership stake in a Thoroughbred, horses have always been a significant part of his life.

“Growing up in Southern Illinois, horses were a huge part of our local culture,” Johnson recalls. “I rode my first horse before I was old enough to remember, but as I got older most of my experience with horses was baling the hay to feed them.”

Johnson’s interest in horse racing deepened significantly after attending the Kentucky Derby earlier this year, an event that had been a lifelong dream. “The Derby experience could only be compared to something like the NBA finals mixed with Coachella,” he remarked. “It is a one-of-a-kind experience that blends fashion, class, and adrenaline like no other.”

This opportunity comes through America’s Best Racing’s influencer ownership initiative, A Stake in Stardom. Designed to immerse influential figures like Johnson in the sport of Thoroughbred racing as minority owners, the program provides behind-the-scenes access at racing's biggest events that participants share with their followers. West Point Thoroughbreds, the first racing syndicate to participate in 2022, has since shared ownership of select horses with eight influencers, including Johnson and his 2-year-old horse, Sandman.

“I was a casual fan before my introduction to America’s Best Racing and West Point Thoroughbreds, but immediately knew partnering was the right decision once the opportunity was presented,” Johnson explained. “I love to compete at a high level and I found that horse racing was a perfect match for my adrenaline needs.”

As a newly minted minority owner of the syndicate's $1.2 million OBS March purchase, Johnson couldn’t pass up the opportunity to attend Sandman’s first race alongside fellow West Point Thoroughbreds owners. In anticipation of this much-awaited debut, Johnson spoke about what he’s looking forward to in his endeavor into the world of Thoroughbred racing.

“I’m most excited to experience the highs and lows of having an athletic child that competes at the highest level. I cannot wait to see the progression from start to finish,”  Johnson said.

Sandman pictured during a workout. (Courtesy of West Point Thoroughbreds )

The reaction from Johnson’s followers has been overwhelmingly positive. “I think that people are excited to learn more about horse racing and what it can offer for a casual race-day viewer,” he noted. “Most importantly, they are looking to see Sandman grow and to have a relationship with him like an owner themselves.”

Adding to the anticipation is the choice of jockey for Sandman’s maiden race. Johnson is proud to have Eclipse Award winner Jose Ortiz in the irons, noting Ortiz’s skill and demeanor as key factors in bringing out the best in his horse.

“I am very proud to have Jose riding Sandman for his first race,” Johnson said. "We got the chance to meet at the Kentucky Derby, and I believe he has the perfect demeanor to bring out the best in Sandman. I am beyond confident in his capabilities and cannot wait to watch him put his heart into this race.”

Griffin Johnson’s debut as a racehorse owner symbolizes not only a personal milestone, but also a gateway for his followers to delve into the thrilling world of Thoroughbred racing.

Fans that are invested in Sandman’s inaugural race can watch the live broadcast from Churchill Downs on FanDuel TV and can place bets in support of his win with a platform like 1/ST Bet. Sandman drew post position #12 in race 3 at 5:58 p.m. on Thursday, June 27. UPDATE: Sandman finished fifth in his debut June 27 after racing in second early in the sprint race, which was held at six-eighths of a mile.