Harris Farms News

JOHN HARRIS NAMED RCTA COMMUNITY AWARD HONOREE

INGLEWOOD, CA, NOVEMBER 3, 2009: The Race Track Chaplaincy of America announced John Harris, a leader in California agribusiness and racing, as the RCTA Community Award honoree. Harris currently serves as chairman of the California Horse Racing Board. Harris will be honored at the 7th annual White Horse Heroes Luncheon at Oak Tree Racing Association at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California on Thursday, November 5, 2009.

Harris was first appointed to the CHRB in November of 2000. He was the board’s vice-chairman from 2005 to February 2009, when he assumed the chairman position. He owns and operates Harris Farms, a diversified agricultural beef and hospitality company located in the San Joaquin Valley near Coalinga. A member and past steward of The Jockey Club, John was elected as a director of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association in 1974 and served as the organization’s legislative chairman for 20 years. He was twice elected CTBA president. He also has served on the boards of Breeders’ Cup Ltd., Thoroughbred Owners of California, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, and the Center for Equine Health/UC Davis Advisory Board. He currently serves on the boards of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America, Western Growers Association, California Cattlemen’s Association, and Pacific Legal Foundation.

This year represents the 37th consecutive year of service by the Race Track Chaplaincy of America to those in the horse race industry. The White Horse Heroes Luncheon was created to recognize some the hundreds of anonymous heroes have spent innumerable hours serving the people and horses in need in the horse race industry.

The luncheon will be co-hosted by Carolyn Conley of HRTV’S morning show “Race Day America” and Hall-of-Fame jockey Pat Day.
A silent auction to benefit the Chaplaincy will be held at the luncheon. Items in the auction include signed memorabilia from Laffit Pincay, Jr., Peb, and a 2008 Saratoga Woodward poster Signed by Steve Asmussen and Robbie Albarado. Collector gift baskets from the Daily Racing Form and the Maryland Millions are also in the auction. Also, Mine That Bird’s halter is a featured auction item.

Tickets for the luncheon are still available:

Race Track Chaplaincy of America National Office
P.O. Box 91640
Los Angeles, CA 90009
Voice: (310) 419-1640
Fax: (310) 419-1642
http://www.rtcanational.org

HARRIS FARMS HORSE DIVISION
27366 W. Oakland Avenue
Coalinga, CA 93210
Tel: 559.884.2859 or 800.311.6211
FAX: 559.884.2855
Internet: info@harrisfarms.com