Karen Johnson, The Blood-Horse Journalist Profile

Articles

Quarter Century of Derby Memories for Hall of Famer

2 weeks ago | bloodhorse.com | Karen Johnson

Where do the years go? If you are trainer Todd Pletcher you could be asking yourself that question regarding the Kentucky Derby (G1). This year's edition marks 25 years since his initial participation with four entrants. At the time of his first Derby in 2000, the future Hall of Famer was 32 years old and in his fourth full year of training.
On the Rise: Ethan West

2 weeks ago | bloodhorse.com | Karen Johnson

Ethan West, 32, didn't expect to find himself in the position of saddling a Kentucky Derby (G1) starter so early in his training career which launched in 2018. Yet, here he is, and not only does West plan to make the most of the experience-an opportunity which eludes some of even the most-seasoned trainers-he doesn't merely want to say he was a participant in the world's most-talked-about race: he's keen to see Chunk of Gold turn in a top-level performance at Churchill Downs May 3.
On the Rise: Tanner Reisman

1 month ago | americasbestracing.net | Karen Johnson

Growing up in Youngstown, a small village in upstate New York, Tanner Reisman spent more time among cows than horses. But he had a strong connection with his late grandmother, a Montana rancher, so there was ample opportunity for Reisman, who is now 23, to gain an appreciation for horses. After graduating from the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill, where he played soccer, Reisman wasn’t sure of his next steps.
On the Rise: Tanner Reisman

1 month ago | bloodhorse.com | Karen Johnson

Growing up in Youngstown, a small village in upstate New York, Tanner Reisman spent more time among cows than horses. But he had a strong connection with his late grandmother, a Montana rancher, so there was ample opportunity for Reisman, who is now 23, to gain an appreciation for horses. After graduating from the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill, where he played soccer, Reisman wasn't sure of his next steps.
Hometown Hero Touchuponastar Takes New Orleans Classic

1 month ago | bloodhorse.com | Karen Johnson

Hometown hero and Louisiana-bred handily defeated last year's champion 3-year-old male, , in the March 22 $480,000 New Orleans Classic Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. Sierra Leone, making his seasonal debut in the 1 1/8-mile dirt race, finished third, beaten 4 1/2 lengths by the winner. , the second choice in the five-horse field, finished second after tracking the pace set by the 2 1/2-length winner.
Healthy Oscar Performance Twin Fillies Head Home

1 month ago | bloodhorse.com | Karen Johnson

What looked like a typical day for Lori Hendrickson, who manages her family's Meadowbrook Farm in Shelbyville, Ky., was anything but as she discovered around 2:30 in the afternoon of March 10. Hendrickson spied one of the farm's broodmares lying down in a paddock on a day that hinted spring is around the corner. She knew the mare, , owned by Surfside Stables and in foal to four-time grade 1 and Breeders' Cup winner Oscar Performance , was due to give birth any day so she went to check on her.
City emerge victorious in a controversial first-ever derby against Rovers

2 months ago | bristol247.com | Karen Johnson

Shades of red and blue engulfed Bristol Telephones FC as two city football teams battled it out, in what was their first-ever time playing against each other. The U-21 women’s teams of City Academy and Rovers 1st were stuck in a game that might have started off slow but soon went into mega speed with excited fans, cheering coaches and some controversial decisions. More than 100 fans, friends and family members joined in on the stands at Stockwood Lane, as they cheered on the girls.
Coal Battle Takes Connections on Exciting Ride

2 months ago | bloodhorse.com | Karen Johnson

When Robbie Norman dispatched his two trainers, Lonnie Briley and Jayde (J.J.) Gelner, to each select a horse for him at the 2023 Texas Thoroughbred Association Yearling Sale, he certainly never imagined the daily double would prove to be so rewarding. "I put the pressure on (Briley and Gelner). I told them I wanted the two best horses at that sale. They absolutely performed to the best; I have to hand it to them.
On the Rise: Joe Moran

Feb 10, 2025 | americasbestracing.net | Joe Moran |Karen Johnson

It was a heady year in 2024 for MyRacehorse, the microshare ownership group, that saw Seize the Grey win the Preakness Stakes and Straight No Chaser take down the Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint, and with that victory, the championship title of male sprinter. Straight No Chaser is being pointed to the $2 million Riyadh Dirt Sprint at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Saudi Arabia Feb. 22.
On the Rise: Joe Moran

Feb 10, 2025 | bloodhorse.com | Karen Johnson

It was a heady year in 2024 for MyRacehorse, the microshare ownership group, that saw Seize the Grey win the Preakness Stakes (G1) and Straight No Chaser take down the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1), and with that victory, the championship title of male sprinter. Straight No Chaser is being pointed to the $2 million Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G2) at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Saudi Arabia Feb. 22.