Josh Isner Calls for Mike Repole’s Inclusion at The Jockey Club to Strengthen Horse Racing

The horse racing industry faces a pivotal moment as two of its most influential owners—Josh Isner and Mike Repole—intensify pressure on The Jockey Club to reform its governance structure. In a letter addressed to The Jockey Club’s membership, Isner, owner of Axon and Delta Force Racing, joined forces with Repole to demand greater transparency, accountability, and representation for owners in the sport’s decision-making processes. The move underscores a growing divide between traditional stakeholders and a new wave of owners pushing for modernization.

The letter, titled Teams of Rivals Win, reflects mounting frustration among owners who argue that The Jockey Club’s current structure—rooted in 19th-century traditions—lacks the flexibility needed to address contemporary challenges. Repole, whose Repole Stable has become one of the largest in the U.S. With over 300 horses and a contender in this year’s Kentucky Derby, has long been a vocal critic of the sport’s governance. His threats of legal action against The Jockey Club, the Breeders’ Cup, and other industry bodies over alleged antitrust violations have drawn widespread attention, including support from within the ranks of trainers and fellow owners.

Isner’s endorsement of Repole’s stance is notable given his established presence in horse racing. As the owner of multiple successful stables, including Pirate’s Booty, and a prominent figure in the sport’s aftercare initiatives, his voice carries significant weight. The letter does not specify whether Isner shares Repole’s threats of litigation, but his alignment signals a potential shift in the balance of power within the industry.

Repole’s push for reform gained momentum after a critical Eclipse Awards town hall in January 2025, where he and other owners presented The Jockey Club with 20 aftercare funding proposals and a revised governance model. The club’s response, as reported by BloodHorse, dismissed the suggestions as based on incomplete facts and falsehoods, a statement that has only fueled Repole’s determination to escalate his campaign.

The Jockey Club, founded in 1894, has long been the sport’s primary governing body, overseeing rules, breeding standards, and integrity. However, its lack of a centralized commissioner or modernized oversight has drawn parallels to other sports facing similar governance crises. Repole’s rhetoric—comparing horse racing to boxing’s historical mismanagement—has resonated with critics who argue that the sport risks losing relevance without structural changes.

Trainer Todd Pletcher, who handles approximately 34 of Repole’s horses, has publicly supported the call for reform, stating that most people in horse racing agree with Repole’s core concerns. Pletcher’s endorsement adds credibility to the owners’ demands, suggesting that the push for change extends beyond individual grievances to broader industry-wide dissatisfaction.

What comes next remains uncertain. The Jockey Club has not publicly responded to the latest letter from Isner and Repole, but the escalating rhetoric raises questions about whether the sport’s leadership will engage in meaningful dialogue or double down on its traditional stance. If Repole follows through on his threats of legal action, the industry could face prolonged litigation, further destabilizing an already fragile ecosystem.

For now, the focus remains on the Kentucky Derby, where Repole’s contender, Renegade, is poised to test his mettle against a field of elite horses. Beyond the track, however, the real race is taking place in boardrooms and courtrooms, where the future of horse racing’s governance hangs in the balance.

The stakes could not be higher. With attendance and betting revenues declining in recent years, the sport’s ability to attract new investors and fans may hinge on its willingness to adapt. Whether The Jockey Club will heed the calls for reform—or dig in its heels—will determine whether horse racing evolves into a more transparent, competitive industry or continues its slow decline into irrelevance.