Griffin Johnson, a social media influencer, racehorse owner, and board member of the newly established HISA Equine Recovery Foundation (HERF), announced on December 17 via Facebook that the nonprofit has acquired its first retired racehorse. The horse, Spit the Bit, a 3-year-old son of Uncle Mo, earned $31,900 over 15 races in 2025 at Gulfstream, Parks, and Monmouth Park. In its last race on November 10, 2025, at Parks, the stallion was the favorite in a $7,500 event.
Johnson revealed that an echocardiogram detected abnormal heart conditions in Spit the Bit, specifically ventricular tachycardia with atrial fibrillation, leading to the horse being withdrawn from racing. After the diagnosis, the owner considered surrendering or euthanizing the horse, but no aftercare facilities were immediately available due to the heart condition. At HISA’s request, Spit the Bit was taken to the New Bolton Center, where equine cardiologist Dr. Cristobal Navas examined him and noted minor heart muscle abnormalities despite the serious overall condition. Dr. Navas advised rest for two to three months before reassessment if an arrhythmia occurs within a week.
Dr. Navas is involved in a HISA pilot program initiated in October 2023, studying exercise-related sudden death (EASD). Findings presented by the EASD Working Group at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum in Kentucky in mid-2025 revealed that atrial fibrillation, once thought to be a mild, performance-limiting condition, can worsen during exercise, potentially triggering severe arrhythmias and sudden death.
Johnson shared that HERF now owns Spit the Bit, who will stay close to New Bolton during the rest period. Plans include updating vaccines, deworming, gelding, and potentially enrolling him in programs benefiting veterans and first responders. Spit the Bit was bred in Kentucky by Lepore Stables and sold for $42,000 at the 2023 Keeneland September Sale. His most recent trainer was Juan Polanco, and the owner was Maria Marquez, according to Equibase records.
A HERF press release from December 10 explains that the foundation aims to address gaps in veterinary care funding, including surgeries with high success rates and full rehabilitation for eligible horses, accompanied by long-term care plans. HERF also seeks to ease the burden on aftercare systems by ensuring horses receive proper rehabilitation before transitioning to aftercare. The release confirms HERF’s funding comes exclusively from sources outside HISA, separate from HISA’s operating budget.
This article originally appeared in the Horse Care section of the Paulick Report on December 18, 2025.
Fan Take: This announcement marks a vital step forward in how retired racehorses with serious health issues are cared for, reflecting greater responsibility within the racing community. For fans, this means a more ethical sport that prioritizes equine welfare, potentially setting new standards for racehorse aftercare in the industry.
