| Friday, November 13, 2026 | Contact: Gary Falter 859.224.2803 |
| OwnerView Names Josh Isner 2026 New Owner of the Year | |
OwnerView announced today that Josh Isner, founder of Delta Squad Racing, has been named the 2026 New Owner of the Year, sponsored by 1/ST RACING. The award recognizes a new Thoroughbred owner who has achieved success in the sport while making a positive impact on the industry. Isner, who entered Thoroughbred ownership in 2025, has quickly established Delta Squad Racing as a significant presence in the sport through substantial investment, success at the highest levels of racing, and an enthusiasm for Thoroughbred ownership that he has shared publicly. Delta Squad Racing compiled a 2026 record of 10 wins, four seconds, and one third and earnings of $898,444. Its stakes winners include Baby Vino, Margie’s Intention, and Verifire. The stable’s breakout performer has been Baby Vino, whom Delta Squad Racing campaigned in partnership with Cosmo Stables and later with HRH Prince Faisal bin Khaled bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. Baby Vino won the $1 million Haskell Stakes (G1) at Monmouth Park in July, defeating Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Napoleon Solo by a half-length. The victory came in Baby Vino’s graded stakes debut and followed his 10 3/4-length victory in the Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth. Baby Vino’s Haskell victory marked the first Grade 1 win for Isner and Delta Squad Racing. Through November 9, Baby Vino had earned $802,416 in eight career starts, including $782,416 in 2026. Delta Squad Racing also enjoyed stakes success with Margie’s Intention in the Allaire DuPont Distaff Stakes and Verifire in the Reigh Count Stakes. Beyond the racetrack, Isner has invested aggressively in building his stable. At the 2026 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, he reported purchasing 11 horses for approximately $4.5 million, an indication of his commitment to building a long-term presence in Thoroughbred racing. Isner, president of Axon Enterprise, has brought his business and technology experience to racing. His introduction to Thoroughbred ownership came after a trip to Saratoga with Dave Portnoy in 2025. Less than two years later, Isner has already made clear that his involvement is intended to be long term. “Getting involved in Thoroughbred racing has been an incredible experience, and I’m honored to receive this recognition,” Isner said. “There’s nothing quite like the excitement of competing in this sport, but just as rewarding has been becoming part of the racing community. This is something we will be a part of for a long time, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.” The other finalists for the 2026 New Owner of the Year Award were Run Fast Racing, Will Stroud, and Canuck Racing Club. The finalists were selected from nominations submitted through OwnerView’s public call for nominations, which was open to anyone and concluded November 2. Nominees were required to have made their first start as a Thoroughbred owner since 2023, owned an interest in a stakes winner during the preceding 12 months, and held a verifiable owner license in 2026. A selection committee considered Thoroughbred performance as well as each nominee’s promotion of and positive impact on the sport in choosing the winner. Run Fast Racing. Founded by Adam Kluger, Run Fast Racing has compiled a 2026 record of 10 wins, eight seconds, and six thirds with earnings of $339,219. The stable was represented by graded stakes winner Listenupshance, winner of the Big Cosby Stakes (G1). Run Fast Racing has also sought to introduce new participants to Thoroughbred ownership, including entertainers Lil Wayne and Lil Yachty. Will Stroud. Stroud, who began owning racehorses in 2024, was represented by graded stakes winners Title Role and Life of Joy. Stroud has described racing as his passion and has emphasized the appeal of sharing ownership with friends and bringing new people into the sport. Canuck Racing Club. Canuck Racing Club has recorded nine wins, five seconds, and eight thirds from 45 starts in 2026, with earnings of $399,888. Its stakes performers included Sinclairity, War Painter, Dewolf, and Brengungirl. In just over three years, the club has established five successive member-owner groups that bring together first-time owners, experienced horse people, and industry leaders. The club provides members with direct access to the Thoroughbred ownership experience, including race days, stable visits, auctions, and interaction with trainers and jockeys. The New Owner of the Year Award has been presented to MyRacehorse, Larry Best, the Churchill Downs Racing Club, Charles and Susan Chu, LNJ Foxwoods, Sol Kumin, Boat Racing, Richard Dawson and Pat Kearney, Jim and Dana Bernhard and Alexander Bregman, John Stewart and Jayson Werth, and Griffin Johnson. OwnerView is a joint effort spearheaded by The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association to encourage ownership of Thoroughbreds and provide accurate information on aspects of ownership such as trainers, public racing syndicates, the process of purchasing and owning a Thoroughbred, racehorse retirement, and owner licensing. | |