Greg Harbut: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

“I am Standing on the Shoulders of Giants”

That is how Greg Harbut describes the place he has carved out for himself in the world of Thoroughbred racing. Those giants include a grandfather, a great-grandfather and the legendary MAN O’ WAR

WRITTEN BY MAUREEN WERTHER

PHOTOS PROVIDED (UNLESS NOTED)

Greg Harbut, owner of Harbut Bloodstock Agency, is making a name for himself as an expert in the international Thoroughbred market. At age 32, he has gained a reputation for his canny analysis and prediction of successful racehorses and sires. Harbut specializes in international markets, focusing on top tier breeding stock, racehorse management, and identifying racing talent. Since he began Harbut Bloodstock Agency in 2011, he has been responsible for the purchase of fifteen Grade 1 winning or producing breeding stock acquisitions. While Greg’s accomplishments are significant on their own, his back story makes his early career success even more compelling. Greg is the grandson of Tom Harbut, a prominent African American horseman, and the greatgrandson of Will Harbut, best known as groom to the indomitable Man o’ War.

Greg Harbut with G1 winner Tell A Kelly. Photo by Matt Goins.

Tom Harbut grew up caring for the horses and mules at his family’s home in Maddoxtown, Kentucky, eventually going on to work with Thoroughbreds. At one point in his career, he was exercise rider for War Admiral, the fourth winner of the Triple Crown. Tom went on to become Stallion Manager for Henry Guggenheim at Spendthrift Farm In Lexington, Kentucky, and he worked with elite Thoroughbreds associated with Elizabeth Arden and movie producer Louie B. Mayer. He also bred and owned the racehorse, Touch Bar, who participated in the 1962 Kentucky Derby. This was an unheard-of accomplishment for an African American man amidst the volatile and often violent civil rights era. Of course, Tom had already been involved in the world of Thoroughbreds growing up with his father, Will Harbut. For Will, being groom to Man o’ War was the best job of his life. Will, who was one generation removed from slavery and started out with nothing, became known as guardian at the gate to Man o’ War. In 1941, a photograph of Will and Man o’ War graced the cover of the Saturday Evening Post. Of course, it was still the Jim Crow era and the Harbut family was not immune to the indignities suffered by black people. But Will believed in hard work and devotion to one’s faith – qualities his greatgrandson, Greg Harbut, values and lives by today. Will and Man o’War were inseparable. If a horse could speak, Man o’ War probably would have finished Will’s sentences for him. As it was, Will told the story of the mighty chestnut stallion every day for 20 years to visitors at Faraway Farm, where Man o’ War retired to stud after his historic career. Will Harbut died on October 3, 1947 after suffering a stroke. Less than one month later, his faithful companion and soul mate of the past 20 years walked into his stall, laid down and never got up again. For Greg Harbut, growing up with such towering role models, who accomplished things that were rare for African Americans at the time, inspired Greg to pursue his dreams and continue his family’s legacy. Greg calls Thoroughbred racing a part of his genetic make-up. His passion for horses and for the sport began when he was a child. “I knew from an early age that I wanted to spend time with horses, and I consider myself so lucky to be able to earn a living doing something that I love. I am grateful for people like my grandfather and great-grandfather, who paved the way for African Americans to succeed in this industry.” That doesn’t mean Greg just skipped over the hard stuff. He has done just about every job there is in Thoroughbred racing, from mucking stalls to walking and exercising horses, to being involved in the selection and breeding process.

Greg Harbut at the Keeneland Race Track Paddock with clients.

During college, he tried for and was awarded a two-year management-training program to cultivate future leaders in the industry. After the program, Greg spent three years gaining invaluable experience as Director of International Client Development for the Stallion Company. In 2011, Greg decided to take the leap and go out on his own. He created Harbut Bloodstock Agency and he has never looked back. Greg’s record of successes speaks for itself and he has built a reputation as being a “Mare” man. Greg looks forward to spending time in Saratoga each summer. “Being here allows me to see lots of fillies and mares on the track and talk with trainers and future thoroughbred owners.” Greg is also excited to see the new exhibit, “Man o’ War at 100,” on display at the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame, across the street from the only track where the legendary horse was ever defeated. “I want to view it all for myself,” said Greg. For Greg, running Harbut Bloodstock Agency is far more than just a way to earn a living. He is carrying the torch that was lit long before him, by men who made such an impact on the industry and for other African Americans. Most thrilling for Greg is that he gets to contribute to and build upon the extraordinary legacy begun by his greatgrandfather and his grandfather. “I think the most exciting part of the story is what is about to happen. I have two legendary men who inspired me to pursue a career in the Thoroughbred business. I knew when I made this career decision that it was non-traditional. But I was called to follow in the footsteps of my family and continue the legacy.” “To date, it is the best risk I have ever taken. Pursuing my dream led me overseas, where I received first-class Thoroughbred training and education. Since then, I have built my own Thoroughbred agency in my hometown of Lexington, Kentucky. Through hard work, perseverance, and listening to my calling, I have experienced great success at the age of 32.” As Greg looks to the future, he is excited about a new racing venture of which he is a part. “The Apotheosis Racing Stable was created and formed in 2017 through my partnership with another well-known horseman, Frank Henson.” The two men had what Greg calls the first of many partnership commitment meetings in Los Angeles in June, and he said they are both thrilled to see this partnership come to life. While Greg is rightly proud of his accomplishments in an industry that can be difficult, if not impossible, to succeed in, he always returns to his background and heritage. “I want people to see who I am and what I am all about. If it weren’t for my forefathers and my mentors, I wouldn’t have stood a chance in this business. If my story inspires one person, then I will have achieved a life-long goal.”