Few in history have had as massive an impact on California's Thoroughbred industry as John Harris. Up until his death in July at the age of 81, the late owner of Harris Farms in central California remained immersed in all facets of the sport he loved.
To honor Harris' immense legacy, Santa Anita Park will host what is now known as the John C. Harris Stakes Sept. 27. For 3-year-old fillies at about 6 1/2 furlongs on Santa Anita's unique hillside turf course, the race was previously named the Unzip Me Stakes in honor of the top racemare Harris co-bred and campaigned in partnership.
READ: California Breeding, Racing Pillar Harris Dies at 81
"John Harris's contributions to the Thoroughbred industry in our state cannot be overstated and his support was unwavering," Santa Anita said in a statement. "The green and white Harris Farms silks were omnipresent in Santa Anita's Winner's Circle and the legacy of the man they represent will be everlasting."
In addition to being one of California's top owners and breeders for decades, Harris also helped shape the sport through leadership positions in a variety of industry organizations including the Thoroughbred Owners of California and the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association where he was a past president.
"John was a huge advocate for horse racing and served on nearly every board that has existed," CTBA President Doug Burge said. "His leadership and dedication made Harris Farms one of the leading Thoroughbred farms in the state."
Harris was also a member of the Jockey Club, a member of the Breeders' Cup Board of Directors, and served on the California Horse Board from 2000-11, including two stints as chairman.
"California racing was very fortunate to have his devotion and support over the years, and he will be missed dearly. He was a legend," Burge said.
At the top of mind now for many is what the future holds for Harris Farms as a Thoroughbred operation. There were routinely more than 350 Thoroughbreds on the farm at any given time, including boarders, broodmares, and stallions, as well as dozens of Harris Farms' homebreds in training at racetracks spread across multiple trainers.
While those kinds of numbers won't remain—a reduction in Thoroughbred holdings is already underway—Harris Farms CEO Darren Filkins assured this week, "Harris Farms remains steadfast in our commitment to honoring John Harris and his vision.
"We will continue to breed and raise competitive Thoroughbred racehorses on our farm," Filkins said. "The industry should expect to see the Harris Farms silks well-represented at tracks throughout California, Arizona, and perhaps beyond."
Filkins will be part of a large contingent from Harris Farms at Santa Anita Saturday to watch the first-ever John C. Harris Stakes. It goes as the 10th and final race with post time set for 5:38 p.m. PT.
"All of us at Harris Farms are very appreciative of Santa Anita's generosity in honoring John," Filkins said. "We'll have a large group of employees in attendance. Santa Anita was always one of his favorite venues. There were so many special moments and performances celebrated there."
Among those who will be in attendance Saturday is Harris's wife, Cookie.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
