California horse-shaking John C. Harris was particularly loved by the thoroughbred breeding and racing sector of his company, Harris Farms.
The several horses, raised and trained on the Harris Farm, based in Coalinga, have become national champions, including the 2000 horse Tiznaud and the National Hall of Fame Racehorse California Chrome. My best friend shared Harris’ reaction to the latter thoroughbred who won the 2014 Kentucky Derby.
Tears plunged down Harris’ face as California’s Chrome sprinted to the finish line.
“I just knew that his farm had such a big role,” said his best friend Doug Barge. “It was probably the most fun thing I’ve ever had.”
Harris, who owned the multi-million dollar agribusiness Harris farm, has passed away. He was 81 years old.
Those who knew Harris described him as a rave reviewed rancher, farmer and horse racing enthusiast. Harris Farm confirmed his death in a statement shared on July 3rd. No details were provided including the cause of death.
Harris was born on July 14, 1943 and lived in Fresno County for the rest of his life. He received his degree in agricultural production from UC Davis before serving in the US Army for two years.
Harris acquired ownership of Harris Farm after his father died in 1981. He covers thriving farms that produce more than 30 different crops, including garlic, pistachios, wine grapes and horse-smoking operations, according to his website. Harris Farms was known for the beef it produced, but the cattle-raising portion of the business was sold in 2019.
According to friends and family, Harris has cultivated a steady passion for the Northern California horse racing and thoroughbred breeding industry. He was former president and director of California Thoroughbred Breeders Assn. He served on the board of trustees of the thoroughbred owners of California and the National Jockey Club. According to people who worked with him, he shaped the horse racing industry into what it is today.
“He loved the land. Everything from farming to horse breeding, said Barge, the current president of CTBA.
Harris was a longtime dedicated advocate for the agricultural industry, according to Oscar Gonzalez, vice-chairman of the California Horse Racing Committee, who served as deputy director of agriculture during the Biden administration.
“Mr. Harris was just a call,” he said. “When I was in Washington, DC…and I needed a reference point or background information on issues that involve agriculture, or water or immigration. He was always someone who had a context in that background.”
One of Harris’ final advocacy efforts came just a few weeks ago when he fought to bring back live horse racing at the Big Fresno Fair.
“I will never give up continuing this storied tradition of Fresno Lace. Today’s story is not over, and I will be back again next year,” Harris said.
Justin Oldfield, Thoroughbred Breeder and CTBA Chairman, said Harris wanted everyone in the industry to be successful, always provide mentorship and help to those in need.
“You wouldn’t have known that from the way he treated you like he was as successful as a businessman,” Oldfield said. “John was a very humble and realistic individual, treating everyone with respect and treating everyone as valuable.”
He once said he went to an event in the horse racing industry honoring Harris, which has more than 3,000 attendees.
“I can’t even imagine how many people will be at his funeral,” Oldfield said.
Harris Farms’ statement said Harris has survived by his wife Cookie and others.
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