A feud has broken out between Mike Repole (left) and John Stewart (right) (Image: Getty Images)
A high-stakes row has erupted in the horse racing world, pitting two of the sport’s most lavish spenders against each other. John Stewart, a tycoon with a private equity background, made a spectacular debut on the racehorse ownership scene last year, splashing out a hefty £20million at the Keeneland Sales.
The ex-Toyota assembly line worker is on a mission to build the finest broodmare collection for his Resolute Racing enterprise and isn’t shy about it on social media – where he has been seen trading quips with Mike Repole, a titan in American horse racing.
Repole, who pocketed a staggering £7.6billion after selling his drinks ventures VitaminWater and Bodyarmor to Coca Cola, boasts an impressive track record with champions like Uncle Mo, Forte, Nest, and Fierceness, the latter being the hot favourite for this month’s Kentucky Derby.
Last year saw Repole launch the National Thoroughbred Alliance, crowning himself commissioner in a move to bring unity to the sport’s divided ranks. Never one to mince his words, Repole didn’t hold back when Stewart suggested that no single individual could fix racing’s woes, branding him an “arrogant, free spending new kid on the block” and a “shallow rich guy.”
In a recent interview with USA Today, Stewart didn’t pull any punches either, likening Repole to figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, accusing him of stirring up controversy for the spotlight.
Repole has made it clear that the racing industry needs a prominent figure like himself to address its issues, and he’s unfazed by public opinion. “I know I’m doing this for the right reasons.,” he asserted.
The situation escalated on Monday when Stewart declared he had enough following Repole’s response to a negative remark from a former trainer, which came after he praised D Wayne Lukas for his Preakness Stakes victory.
Stewart rebuked: “Calling people idiots and morons is beneath you. Or should be.”
He later urged for unity in the sport, stating: “I think it is time for people to come together for the good of the sport and stop attacking one another and acting like they are in the 8th grade.
“I refuse to get into another petty discussion with him. I suggest that everyone who is a true supporter of horse racing unfollow him and stop engaging with him until he changes his ways or apologises for his divisive behavior.
“Everyone that unfollows @RepoleStable and reposts this post within the next 7 days will go into a drawing to attend the @KentuckyDerby with me as a guest in my party to attend next years event with a plus one.”
In a subsequent post, Stewart criticised Repole’s approach to leadership. “He spends money and he wants the sport to get better which is good but he can’t stop himself from being divisive. He is a hindrance to the advancement of the sport and the message I think the sport needs. Let’s ‘turn him off’ for a while and see what happens. I guarantee he will still be there if I am wrong.”
Responding, Repole said: “99% of the time, I am against divisiveness.”
He added: “There is 1% of the time where I believe divisiveness is not only good, but a MUST, to become the only possible option to create positive change. Horse racing is in that 1%.”
He further elaborated his viewpoint: “Whether you love me, like me, hate me or despise me, we still can share a vision for positive changes for a sport we are passionate about and all love. If you are in agreement with me and refuse to be indifferent no longer, and want positive changes in racing, like or repost this. LET’S ING GO! ! ! ! ! With love, Your Commissioner.”
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