Mike Repole, the richest man at the Derby, is still betting on hope Mike Repole arrives at the Kentucky Derby like a man throwing a party he fully expects to ruin for himself. The billionaire, known for his wealth and business acumen, brings an entourage of 76 people to the event, most of whom will enjoy themselves while he shoulders the financial burden. “Seventy-five are going to have a great, great, great time,” he says, pausing to acknowledge the irony of his situation. “And then there’s me. And I also get the bill, so that’s pretty sad. But that’s OK.” This sentiment encapsulates the Kentucky Derby’s unique blend of spectacle and anxiety, a tradition that transforms even the most successful individuals into hopeful participants. Repole, a seasoned Derby attendee, has entered the race 12 times, yet his record remains unremarkable: 0-8, with three heart-breaking scratches of favorites. Two of those favorites, Grade and Forte, were scratched on the morning of the race, while Uncle Mo was withdrawn days earlier. These setbacks, however, are not viewed as failures but as part of the sport’s inherent unpredictability. The Kentucky Derby is not a race in the traditional sense; it is a high-stakes gamble where only one horse out of 20,000 annual births can claim victory. For Repole, the stakes are personal. He has invested his time, money, and belief in the sport, and this year, he is determined to make it work. This year’s Derby entry is his horse Renegade, a late runner with a strategy that relies on chaos. Renegade is not the type to assert dominance early in the race, instead waiting for the field to disintegrate before making a dramatic surge. Repole describes the horse as “last to first,” capable of making up five lengths in an instant.#mike_repole #kentucky_derby #renegade #robert_lowes #lawana_lowes
UFL Coaches Return to Hometowns, Embracing Local Roots Quarterback Jalan McClendon, now with the Columbus Aviators, recalled the surprise of a large crowd at a recent fan fest, where thousands gathered to support his team. The event highlighted the growing enthusiasm for the UFL, with fans showing up in greater numbers than expected. Among the most celebrated figures at the event was Ted Ginn Jr., the Aviators’ head coach, who drew the biggest cheers. Ginn, a former Ohio State star, had a standout career with the Buckeyes, including a touchdown return in the 2004 BCS National Championship game. His 14-year NFL career included stints with six teams, but he remains deeply connected to his hometown of Cleveland, where he grew up and played high school games at Historic Crew Stadium, the Aviators’ home venue. Ginn’s return to Columbus is significant, as it allows him to focus solely on coaching without the distractions of other teams or college programs. “It’s very special,” he said, emphasizing the opportunity to build a winning team in his hometown. This approach aligns with the UFL’s strategy to prioritize local ties, a decision driven by new investor Mike Repole, founder of Vitaminwater and BodyArmor. Repole emphasized the importance of hiring coaches who resonate with their communities and have both on-field and off-field credibility. The UFL’s coaching staff includes several first-time head coaches, such as AJ McCarron, who led the University of Alabama to two national championships and now coaches the Birmingham Stallions. McCarron, who previously played in the UFL, described the transition to coaching as both challenging and rewarding. “It’s been awesome,” he said, noting the shift from competing against players to guiding them.#columbus_aviators #jalan_mcclendon #ted_ginn_jr #mike_repole #historic_crew_stadium
