Karen M. Johnson

Karen M. Johnson is Features Editor at BloodHorse. A racing journalist, editor, and author since 1985, her work has appeared in numerous racing publications. She also was recognized with an Emmy as a co-producer/writer at HRTV.

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all stories by Karen

Rare Twin Fillies by Oscar Performance Head Home Healthy and Playful

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....

The Life Posted March 18th, 2025 ·

An Unexpected, Exciting Ride for Coal Battle’s Owner Norman Stables and Trainer Briley

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...

The Life Posted February 18th, 2025 ·

On the Rise: Joe Moran

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

The Life Posted February 10th, 2025 ·

On the Rise: Andrew Fernung

Andrew Fernung, 35, joined the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company in November as assistant sales coordinator. His family name draws respect in Ocala, Fla., as his father, John Fernung, was a renowned...

The Life Posted January 2nd, 2025 ·

On the Rise: Jodie Vella-Gregory

With a double major in psychology and political science from the University of Alberta in Canada, Jodie Vella-Gregory pondered a career in criminal psychology, but upon graduation in 2007 she spent...

The Life Posted November 27th, 2024 ·

On the Rise: Courtney Reid of Breeders’ Cup

A job for three summers at the Virginia Racing Commission while Courtney Reid was still a student at James Madison University introduced her to the world of horse racing, something she knew little...

The Life Posted October 30th, 2024 ·

Owner Goichman’s Moment Arrives With First Breeders’ Cup Starter Scythian

It’s been a long time coming and now that the moment is here, owner Lawrence Goichman couldn’t be more thrilled about participating in his first Breeders’ Cup as owner, with a homebred no less.

The Life Posted October 28th, 2024 ·

On the Rise: Devon Bradley

Devon Bradley, who works at Bradley Thoroughbreds alongside her father, Peter, didn’t initially have her sights on a career in the racing industry. Upon graduating from Ohio Wesleyan University,...

The Life Posted July 4th, 2024 ·

On the Rise: Gabrielle ‘Gabby’ Migliore

With a last name that is well known in racing and commands respect, Gabrielle “Gabby” Migliore is the latest member of her family to launch a career in the industry. Migliore, 22, started working...

The Life Posted June 5th, 2024 ·

On the Rise: First-Time Kentucky Derby Jockey Antonio Fresu

Jockey Antonio Fresu will ride in his first Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve this year when he gets a leg up from trainer Phil D’Amato – also a first-time participant in the run for the...

Racing Posted May 1st, 2024 ·

On the Rise: Mackenzie Kirker-Head

When Mackenzie Kirker-Head joined the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority last summer as its communications manager, she arrived with a strong desire to support and strengthen the industry...

The Life Posted April 3rd, 2024 ·

On the Rise: Stephanie Cooley

Growing up just outside of Chicago, where visits to Arlington Park were eagerly planned and attended, plus a love for horseback riding, motivated Stephanie Cooley to pursue a career in racing,...

The Life Posted March 5th, 2024 ·