Mike Repole or ‘Mike from Queens’ enjoyed a spectacular result in the 154th Belmont Stakes in New York, with Mo Donegal winning the race. The 53-year-old said, “It’s a 40-year dream”, adding, “Coming to this track and Aqueduct, being a kid from New York, this is New York’s race”, as per America’s Best Racing. 

The American entrepreneur and businessman was born on January 21, 1969, and is best known for co-founding Glaceau, the company that made Vitaminwater. Coca-Cola ended up buying it for $4.1 billion. Repole is also behind the Bodyarmor Superdrink, the sports drink manufacturer. Again, Coca-Cola bought this for $5.6 billion, which happens to be the company’s largest acquisition of a brand, as per Forbes. 

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As Repole’s self-identifying moniker suggests, he grew up in Middle Village, Queens, and graduated with a degree in sports administration from St John’s University. He became a horse racing fan in his teenage years and soon after the sale of Glaceau, the entrepreneur opened Repole Stable, becoming more involved in horse racing and thoroughbred breeding. Uncle Mo, the father of the current Belmont Stakes winner, has been Repole’s most accomplished horse thus far. 

Repole’s other notable horses include Stay Thirsty, who had given the 53-year-old his best win till this year, coming in second in 2011. This year, Repole’s horse Nest clinched the second place as well. 

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Speaking of the outcome of the 2022 race, Repole said, “I watched the replay 150 times. I will no longer watch that replay”, adding, “Getting a first and second here, it makes up for it. This was the biggest goal of my racing life, and I just accomplished it and ran one-two.” 

Among Repole’s other accomplishments is the time he co-starred on ‘Big Brain’, the Barstool Sports investment show, where the entrepreneur acted as a financial advisor.