Owner's Racist Social Media Post Draws Ire

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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Tom VanMeter

A racist social media post from the account of prominent Thoroughbred owner and breeder Tom VanMeter brought negative attention to the industry and had some sport participants calling for a boycott of any horses he offers at public auction.

In a Facebook post on Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club president Donnie Snellings' page that called on followers to "Re-post if you are still boycotting the NFL," VanMeter responded "Defund the N_ _ Football league." ("N _ _ " is a shortened version of a racist word BloodHorse chooses not to repeat.)

BloodHorse reached out to VanMeter for any explanation and he did not answer or immediately return a phone call, text, or email request for comment.

Prominent handicapper Michael Beychok brought attention to the post, which includes VanMeter's name and the photo he uses on his Facebook page. Beychok retweeted a post by Bri Mott, of StableDuel, drawing attention to the racist comment.

The Jockey Club announced July 6 on Twitter: OwnerView, jointly owned by The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association has suspended the account privileges of Tom VanMeter pending further review. "There is no place in racing or our society for racially hateful language."

VanMeter is a longtime participant in the industry, buying, selling, and consigning bloodstock. As a breeder VanMeter has been represented by several graded stakes winners including Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Summerly. VanMeter also foaled and raised 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah  for Zayat Stables.

BloodHorse reached out to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, which issued a statement condemning VanMeter's comment.

"The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission is committed to ensuring our sport is inclusive and welcoming to all people. Diversity is our greatest strength," the statement said. "Our fans, jockeys, trainers and owners hail from every corner of the world; but we all unite through our love of horseracing. Our great sport would not be where it is today without the contributions of people from all walks of life. We condemn racism and bigotry in any form, and standsteadfast in our commitment to make everyone feel welcome."

In 2019, VanMeter-Gentry Sales sold 63 of 81 horses offered at public auction, generating $5,647,000 in receipts.

"Fasig-Tipton does not generally comment on social media postings by third parties other than to make clear that this comment was not made by an employee or representative of Fasig-Tipton," said Fasig-Tipton president Boyd Browning Jr. "It does not reflect Fasig-Tipton's values. We do not condone or support any statements or actions that do not promote a more diverse, inclusive environment to its participants."

Keeneland issued a statement as well:

"Keeneland condemns Tom VanMeter's post. There is no place for racism in our sport or our society and his words are antithetical to Keeneland's values of respect, community, and equality.

"Our industry must deal honestly and directly with our lack of diversity and look hard at its underlying causes. It is not only the right thing to do, it is critical for the future of the sport we love.

"At Keeneland, we have begun the process of reviewing our internal culture, structures, and practices to try and build a better, more diverse, and equitable Keeneland family. We do not believe there are easy answers to these complex and systemic challenges and everything is on the table as we move forward."

Denali Stud also made a statement Monday, via Twitter.

"In light of recent events surrounding racist comments made by a third party on an employee's private social account, it should be known that Denali doesn't condone these comments," the prominent Thoroughbred breeding and sales operation said. "They don't reflect our core values and there is no place for them in our industry or society at large."

Alex Waldrop, president and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, spoke on Twitter against Van Meter's comment as well.

"The racist remarks and views posted on social media on an account belonging to Tom VanMeter have no place in society, let alone the horse racing industry. The NTRA no longer will accept financial contributions of any kind from him or others who share his views," Waldrop said.

Frank Angst contributed to this story.