The Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RCTA) has announced John Harris, a leader in California agribusiness and racing, as the RCTA Community Award honoree. Harris currently serves as chairman of the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB). Harris was honored at the 7th annual White Horse Heroes Luncheon at Oak Tree Racing Association at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., on Thursday (Nov. 5).

Harris was first appointed to the CHRB in November 2000. He was the board's vice-chairman from 2005 to February 2009, when he assumed the chairman position. He owns and operates Harris Farms, a diversified agricultural beef and hospitality company located in the San Joaquin Valley near Coalinga. A member and past steward of The Jockey Club, John was elected as a director of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association in 1974 and served as the organization's legislative chairman for 20 years. He was twice elected CTBA president. He also has served on the boards of Breeders' Cup Ltd., Thoroughbred Owners of California, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, and the Center for Equine Health/UC Davis Advisory Board. He currently serves on the boards of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America, Western Growers Association, California Cattlemen's Association, and Pacific Legal Foundation. 

This year represents the 37th consecutive year of service by the Race Track Chaplaincy of America to those in the horse race industry. The White Horse Heroes Luncheon was created to recognize some of the hundreds of anonymous heroes have spent innumerable hours serving the people and horses in need in the racing industry.

The luncheon was co-hosted by Carolyn Conley of HRTV'S morning show "Race Day America" and Hall-of-Fame jockey Pat Day