Koolmen Racing Stable

Owner(s): Michael Harrison
Born: June 27, 1949 in Newark, N.J.
Residence: Chester, N.J. (60 miles from Monmouth Park)
Family: Single
Education: Bachelor of Arts in history from University of Rochester (New York); law degree from University of Louisville
Professional Background: Owns his own law firm (Michael Harrison, attorney at law) that specializes in health care collections; president of Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association of New Jersey; executive vice chairman of Children's Specialized Hospital Foundation
Racing Background: Became a racing fan when following Secretariat's sweep of the 1973 Triple Crown … Attended the Belmont Stakes that year and saw Secretariat win by 31 lengths, a race widely considered the greatest Thoroughbred performance of all time … "I saw hardened racetrack veterans in tears and throwing their hats. That is something you never see," he said of the event ... Worked with hunter-jumper show horses and as an exercise rider at a New Jersey Thoroughbred farm while in law school … Upon graduation from law school, he was advised by a Thoroughbred owner to pursue a law career to earn a good living before becoming seriously involved in the Thoroughbred business … Admits that he sometimes second guesses taking that advice because of his passion for the sport
Racing Career: Has been an owner and breeder for about 14 years; first horse he raced, Alien Strike, was a stakes winner at Philadelphia Park and Laurel Park in 1997 … "That was the worst thing that could have happened to me because I thought it was easy," he said … Currently has 20 horses in training solely and in partnerships … He employs trainer Freddy Velazquez at Philadelphia Park and Ken McPeek, trainer of Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies hopeful A to the Croft, the best horse he has owned to date … A to the Croft is named for his lawsuit supervisor Amanda Croft, who along with co-workers, created a dance they dubbed A to the Croft, which they do at the end of the work day, at parties, and at the track when the filly races … Recruited Joseph Trunfino to be his partner on A to the Croft because he feels Trunfino has good luck … Said he will not wager on A to the Croft in the Juvenile Fillies (she finished 9th) because the only time he did not bet on her is when she won ... Coaches Union County Cyclones girls basketball team in the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) … Avid fan of University of Louisville Cardinals basketball.