TikTok star Griffin Johnson, a minority owner to horse Sandman, is reflecting on the 2025 Kentucky Derby.
“Feel like I disappointed the whole world,” Johnson, 26, wrote via his Instagram Story on Saturday, May 3, after his Derby loss. “We bounce back. Thank you to every single person who watched & supported our Derby trail. This sport has so much to offer & I hope everyone got to see how special it is. Onto the next Triple Crown race, we have a whole season left.”
In the image, Johnson was all smiles as he snapped a selfie rocking a pink suit while on the muddy grounds at the 151st Kentucky Derby held at Louisville’s Churchill Downs. In another pic, Johnson placed his arms over Sandman as he cautiously watched the horse.
“Most importantly, this guy came off the track healthy,” Johnson wrote in a separate Instagram Story. “What a great start to the year. Can’t wait to keep showing how amazing this sport can be.”
Sandman, who entered the race with 5-1 odds, ultimately placed 18th at the 2025 Kentucky Derby. Sovereignty took home the win on Saturday.
Johnson became a minority owner of Sandman via West Point Thoroughbreds, a company that allows clients to become owners or partial owners. The horse began racing at Churchill Downs in June 2024, placing fifth.
“I’m fully involved in his life. I go to all of his races. I travel anywhere in the world where he’s racing,” Johnson told local outlet The Prairie Press in April. “I wash and feed him. I’m super involved with the team, his training, his progress reports and how he’s doing. I’ve pretty much done it all, from prep to seeing him after his race. So I would say we’ve become pretty good buddies. He might say I’m just good for treats, but he at least puts on a good show.”
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Johnson, who has amassed over 9 million followers on TikTok, shared last month that he has plans for his next Derby horse and has “full intentions” of “continuing to do it every year.”
“Horse racing has a lot to offer for everyone. I think that the journey and the people who have joined in have really enjoyed it,” Johnson said. “That’s what’s keeping me in now. And I hope that after this year, if we can secure a win in one of the big Triple Crown races, I can continue to do that throughout the years for everyone.”
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