Professional Pathways: Work with Racing Entrepreneur Greg Harbut

As a part of our mission to grow diversity, equity, and inclusion within equestrian sport, we’ll be highlighting opportunities that may be of interest to BIPOC individuals interested in getting into horses or a career in the industry.

If you have an interest in racing, this opportunity just might be for you! Following in the footsteps of his grandfather (who groomed the famous racehorse, Man O’War), Greg Harbut entered the predominantly white Thoroughbred racing industry determined to make a career for himself. And make a career he did: last year, a horse he owned - Necker Island - ran in the Kentucky Derby.

Now Greg wants to share his perspective as a Black man in a very white industry, as an entrepreneur and businessman, and as a horseman with others. To that end, a new spring residency at Wilberforce University in Ohio has been formed for those interested in the racing industry. 

Wilberforce University’s executive vice president and chief innovation officer Dr. Tayshia Bradley said she became intrigued by Greg’s story after watching Necker Island in the Derby last year. “As I was reflecting on the next residency, I began hearing about a horse named Necker Island owned by African Americans, running in the Kentucky Derby,” she said. “I became intrigued by how these Black horse owners entered into this very white economic space and organized ownership groups to not only purchase winning horses, but also to own a million dollar company.” 

“I think what I will bring is a practical side as opposed to a theory side,” Greg said. “The experience of what it is like to be an African American man in a predominantly white industry and the challenges that they (students) will have to look forward to face and overcome.”

To learn more about this new residency program, click here. An informational Zoom session will also be held - it was rescheduled from its original date but the new date has yet to be announced.

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