The Kentucky Derby returns to a Louisville contending with protest, pain and its past

One of the founders of the society, Greg Harbut, was the only Black owner of a horse, Necker Island, during the 2020 Kentucky Derby. Some called for him to boycott the race, even though it was a breakthrough for a man who came from a legacy of elite horsemen. Harbut is the great-grandson of Will Harbut, who groomed legendary racehorse Man o’ War, and the grandson of Tom Harbut, who bred and owned 1962 Derby participant Touch Bar but was not allowed to attend the event.