“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
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reg 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.
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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 great-grandson of Will Harbut, best known as groom to the indomitable Man o’ War. 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
Equicurean | July 2017 | 9