Turf Publicists of America (TPA) introduced right this moment that it’s going to award the 2025 Large Sports activities of Turfdom Award to social media influencer Griffin Johnson. This award is an annual award that acknowledges a person or group who collaborates with the media and horse racing publicists to reinforce protection of Thoroughbred racing.
Born in Paris, Illinois, Johnson is a content material creator, entrepreneur, and investor who has used his skills to redefine how tradition, sports activities, and enterprise join. He has rapidly develop into the most effective private manufacturers of his era, amassing over 14 million followers throughout well-liked social media platforms corresponding to TikTok, Instagram, and X (previously Twitter). Johnson can also be a co-founder of the enterprise capital agency Animal Capital, which invests in and advises early-stage corporations shaping the way forward for client know-how and life-style.
Johnson entered horse racing in 2024 as half proprietor of West Level Thoroughbred Grade 1 winner Sandman by means of America’s Finest Racing’s “Wager on Stardom” marketing campaign. Johnson can also be half proprietor of G2 winner Ewing.
As an envoy for the game, Mr. Johnson leverages his platform to advertise horse racing, reaching greater than 200 million individuals by means of video and content material, visiting racetracks and offering backstretch entry, producing greater than 35 million views.
“Griffin Johnson has used his platform and affect to convey unprecedented publicity to our sport and contribute to the expansion of horse racing,” stated TPA President Nadja Thompson. “Our members chosen Johnson for this award in recognition of his function as a fantastic ambassador for horse racing and his constant openness and responsiveness to the media.”
The Large Sport of Turf Dam Award will likely be introduced to Mr. Johnson in individual on December ninth on the College of Arizona Racetrack Business Program’s annual awards luncheon. The luncheon will likely be held as a part of the 2025 Horse Racing & Gaming Symposium at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona.
“I’m extraordinarily honored to obtain the 2025 Large Sports activities of Turfdom Award,” Johnson stated. “Horse racing has given me neighborhood, objective, and a platform to develop the game I like. I am grateful to everybody who welcomed me into this business and impressed me to be a small a part of its future.”
Lunch is included within the symposium participation price. Further details about the luncheon will be obtained by contacting Dave Zenner, TPA Secretary/Treasurer.
The Large Sport of Turf Dam has been awarded yearly since 1966, and that is the primary time Johnson has gained the award.
Earlier winners embrace jockeys Mike Smith, Pat Day, Chris McCarron, Invoice Shoemaker, Angel Cordero Jr., Eddie Arcaro and Gary Stevens. Trainers are Artwork Sherman, D. Wayne Lucas, and Jack Van Berg. Others who’ve made important contributions to the game embrace Penny Chenery, proprietor of Secretariat and two-time champion. Announcer Tom Durkin. Creator Laura Hillenbrand. Broadcaster Jim McKay. Turf author Joe Hirsch. and actors Tim Conway and Jack Krugman.
An entire record of previous Large Sport of Turfdom winners is obtainable on-line at http://www.turfpublicists.com/awards.html.
