Former NFL star Mike Renfro is aiming for another big win, this time in horse racing with the King’s Plate, as originally reported by the Paulick Report. Renfro, a former wide receiver for the Houston Oilers and Dallas Cowboys, has transitioned from football to thoroughbred racing, now part of CJ Thoroughbreds, which will be entering Tom’s Magic in the $1 million King’s Plate at Woodbine racetrack on August 16th.
Though not deeply versed in the history of Woodbine or the King’s Plate, Renfro acknowledges the race’s prestige as the first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, making it an honor to participate. The Texas native, who played football at Arlington Heights High School and Texas Christian University, earned accolades such as spots in the Southwest Conference and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, and shares a similar passion for horse racing.
After retiring from football in 1988, Renfro started his journey into horse racing by buying his first horse, a modest Louisiana-bred named Dr. Death. He reflects on his career and life, feeling blessed to have succeeded in both football and horse racing. In 1997, Renfro furthered his involvement by working in development at Lone Star Park for 12 years.
Currently, he serves as the vice president of business development at CJ Thoroughbreds, working alongside President Cole Johnsen and his son CJ Johnsen. Based in Grapevine, Texas, this team is deeply involved in horse racing, breeding, and training, excited about their upcoming King’s Plate entry. Renfro considers winning the King’s Plate the biggest achievement yet, as he has won many honors in the NFL except the Super Bowl.
The horse they’re banking on is a 3-year-old colt named Tom’s Magic, purchased for $200,000 at the 2023 Keeneland September sale. The horse shares ownership with Tom’s Magic and MO Speed Race’s Scott Mawaka. Though Tom’s Magic needed some extra development, thanks to Master Bloodstock agent Mullet Farrell, the wait proved worthwhile.
Upon purchase, Renfro planned to have Tom’s Magic trained at Kevin Nortemeyer’s Silver Springs Training Center in Lexington, with cultivation on CJ Thoroughbred’s 150-acre farm in Midway, Kentucky. Though the colt wasn’t a first-round draft pick in racing terms, his potential was clear.
Guided by trainer Michael Stidham and assistant Hillary Puridham, Tom’s Magic won two stakes races in 2025, including the Black Gold at Fair Grounds and another at Monmouth Park. Renfro praises the trainers for their expertise and confidence in the horse. Tom’s Magic shone with an impressive stakes debut, winning convincingly despite Renfro being unable to attend the race, but video footage affirmed his pride.
Even after a less successful run at the Transylvania Stakes (G3), Tom’s Magic bounced back strongly. The preparation leading to the King’s Plate included conditioning at Fair Hill Training Center in Maryland and Turfway Park in Kentucky. Renfro is confident and excited about the horse’s prospects.
Renfro has visited Toronto before, notably in 1965 with his father, Ray, who was honored as a Pro Bowl receiver. Now 70, Renfro humorously mentions he’s old enough to buy drinks if they win but must first manage his race day nerves.
Comparing football nervousness to horse racing, Renfro says he’s far more anxious about the latter but embraces the excitement. Drawing on lessons from his father and football experiences, he remains a competitor at heart.
Being part of the team and the competition remains the most rewarding aspect for Renfro, who hopes Tom’s Magic will demonstrate the same fighting spirit at the King’s Plate.
Fan Take: This story brings exciting crossover appeal by showcasing a former NFL athlete making waves in thoroughbred racing, which highlights the sport’s ability to attract diverse talents. Tom’s Magic’s entry into the King’s Plate could energize fans and bring fresh attention to Canadian horse racing, underlining the sport’s dynamic and evolving nature.
