Who is Hastings Harcourt from The Man Who Listens to Horses and what is their importance?

Hastings Harcourt is the son of a textbook publisher. He is in his 60s and described as an eccentric millionaire. He initially hires Monty to train some of his horses but quickly becomes aware of Monty's talents and asks him to put together a thoroughbred horse training facility. He also cuts Monty in for a piece of the profits. Unfortunately, Harcourt suffers from a severe case of bipolar syndrome, and he tries to destroy and dissemble the training facility shortly after its construction. Harcourt also asks Monty to shoot several of his horses. In the end, Harcourt dies, and Monty is left with ownership of the facility.