John Harris

John Harris, now living on his farm in Fresno County, owns and manages Harris Ranch, a diversified agricultural company in California. It produces and markets beef, almonds, pistachios, citrus and several vegetable crops, as well as horses. It also includes Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant, a major hospitality center on Interstate 5. In 2014, John was named Agriculturalist of the year by the Fresno area Chamber of Commerce. He has been active in several federal and state political campaigns and issues, particularly those impacting agriculture, horses, and water.

Harris also has been active in breeding and racing thoroughbred horses for over 50 years, and has been involved in producing several California bred champions. His Fresno County farm raised California Chrome, the winner of the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness, as well as Tiznow, a multiple Eclipse award recipient.

John is active on boards of several organizations including the Pacific Legal Foundation, where he is the former board chair. He received their Foundation of Freedom Award in 2013. He has also been on boards of Western Growers Association, Race Track Chaplaincy of America, and the Maddy Institute. He is a past chairman of the California Horse Racing Board and is also a member and former Steward of The Jockey Club. He has also been an active donor to his alma mater, the University of California at Davis, as well as supporting numerous efforts at Cal Poly – SLO and Fresno State University.

As a TOC Director — I am hoping to keep California racing a strong, viable participant nationally for long into the future.