Andrew Harris, while relatively unknown in the Grand Circuit racing scene for 2- and 3-year-olds, is rapidly making a name for himself. His expertise in managing a successful stable, honed over years of experience, positions him for future prominence in the sport. Harris, a third-generation horseman, established his own training operation in New Jersey in 2015, focusing on seasoned racehorses alongside promising young talent. His early success with horses like Law Maker, Waitlifter K, and Pedro Hanover has paved the way for his current venture with partners Bill Pollock and Bruce Areman, who have strategically targeted and acquired top prospects at major sales like Lexington and Harrisburg.
A Third-Generation Horseman’s Journey
Harris’s deep roots in harness racing are evident. “I’m a third-generation horseman,” he shared. His passion for horses was shared with his twin brother, J, who pursued a career as a full-time driver, while Andrew gravitated towards training. His early career included a two-year stint with Bill Robinson before moving to Casie Coleman’s operation, where he spent 11 years. During his time with Coleman, Harris managed a significant portion of her nearly 100-horse stable in the United States. As Coleman shifted her focus to Grand Circuit youngsters, Harris gradually took on more horses independently, eventually establishing his own successful stable that specialized in overnight racing.
Mentorship from Hall of Fame Trainers
Harris credits his formative years with two Hall of Fame trainers, Bill Robinson and Casie Coleman, for shaping his approach. “The one thing they both had in common was they were both great horsemen but quite different in running their operation,” Harris explained. He noted Coleman’s hands-on, detail-oriented management style, where “Nothing escaped her attention.” In contrast, he described Robinson as more laid back, possessing a “great eye and great instinct” that allowed him to perceive things others often missed.
The Genesis of a Powerful Partnership
The formidable partnership between Harris, Bruce Areman, and Bill Pollock has significantly impacted the harness racing industry. The association began when Anthony MacDonald introduced Harris to a trotter named Law Maker, who raced in the Hambletonian under Harris’s training. Bruce Areman, one of Law Maker’s owners, developed a friendship with Harris, frequently visiting the stable. Areman then introduced Harris to Bill Pollock, who expressed a strong desire to invest in top-tier racehorses. This led to their significant acquisition of Abuckabett Hanover for $535,000, a purchase that marked a substantial investment for Harris.
Pollock’s investment strategy emphasizes acquiring the best available horses, a philosophy Harris wholeheartedly adopts. “To be absolutely honest I’m not and can’t [afford that kind of investment],” Harris admitted. “But Bill worked it out so that I am able to share in the trials and tribulations and hopefully the rewards of horse ownership.” This arrangement allows Harris to participate in the ownership alongside his training duties.
Managing High-Value Prospects
Harris approaches the significant financial responsibility of training millions of dollars worth of yearlings not as pressure, but as a “miraculous privilege.” He feels entrusted with 20 meticulously bred and conformed yearlings. Echoing the sentiment of successful thoroughbred owner Steve Elliott, Harris believes the most crucial aspect of a trainer’s role is to “not screw things up.” He is committed to dedicating his utmost effort to ensure the best possible outcome for each individual colt and filly under his care.
Stable Composition and Future Outlook
The Harris stable is currently structured with a strong foundation in the free-for-all ranks, featuring the returning Abuckabett Hanover and the 4-year-olds Seven Colors and El Ray. Promising 3-year-olds from the previous year also add depth. However, Harris expresses particular excitement for the incoming crop of 2-year-olds, comprising 20 individuals: 15 pacers (11 colts, 4 fillies) and 5 trotters (4 colts, 1 filly).
Among the pacing colt purchases, Hip #252 at Harrisburg, Cafe Culture, stands out. Acquired for $195,000, the colt’s status as the 15th foal from his dam is particularly noteworthy, given the author’s personal experience evaluating yearlings for over 30 years and recalling the exceptional beauty of the mare’s first colt, Well Said. Harris was drawn to Cafe Culture’s striking resemblance to Well Said. Despite the unusual number of foals, Harris prioritized the individual, stating, “I was always of the belief that it is the individual we are judging, not the number foal he is.” After considerable observation, he found no faults with the colt and was determined to acquire him.
Bill Pollock further emphasized the strong foundation of their partnership, highlighting Bruce Areman’s recommendation of Andrew Harris as “among the finest of people that he knows in or out of the business.” This mutual respect and trust form the bedrock of their successful collaboration.
