Page 92 - April 2016

RACETRACK CHAPLAINS
by Janet VanBebber
It is true that our industry is plagued with an abundance of bad press. Consequently, maintaining the image of racing sometimes feels like an uphill battle. But our business is filled with good qualities, and that message needs
to be spread. In an effort to shine light on the racetrack’s many attributes, we are choosing to feature some “good news.” This month, we will highlight racetrack chaplaincies.
Between Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse entities, over 60 racetracks across our nation have chaplains on the backside. Some have dedicated buildings that serve as churches. Others merely maintain a presence in the
barn area and conduct worship services in
the track kitchen or grandstands. No matter how elaborate their setup, the blessings that flow from a chaplain’s efforts are numerous.
In addition to non-denominational services, other ministries offered to horsemen include benevolence, counseling, Bible study, and fellowship. The assistance offered can also be
as simple as providing a sick groom with a ride to see a doctor. Many of the larger Racetrack chaplaincies offer children’s activities, ESL (English as a Second Language) courses, addiction counseling, etc. The chaplains remind horsemen of their presence by conducting a daily prayer over the speaker system in the barn area each morning. They also lead prayer in the jockey room before the races, and when a jockey is hurt in a race, it’s often the chaplain who is the first to arrive at the emergency room.
Most horsemen are busy folks. The people who inhabit the backside (grooms, hot walkers, pony people, and even the trainers
and jockeys) are often so wrapped up in
the labor intensive care of their stable, that they have little access to outside recreation. Recognizing a need, chaplaincies provide an outlet in this area, too. Weekly bingo, soccer games, and even bowling tournaments are frequently organized by the chaplain. No matter what the activity, it’s a great venue for socializing and serves as fellowship for people whose responsibilities of caring for horses
beckon them seven days a week.
Each track’s program has leadership and accountability beyond the chaplain himself.
While some are independent and report only
to a local council, many are led by the Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA), which currently has its headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky. The purpose of the RTCA is to foster growth and offer guidance to the local affiliates. It provides materials (Bibles), online classes for a chaplain’s own continuing education, an annual chaplain’s school, and other support. Finally,
the RTCA works to foster a good relationship between the chaplaincies and the track management. You can learn more about them by visiting their website at: rtcanational.org.
The success of a ministry depends a lot on financial support, and chaplaincies find their revenue from different sources. In some states, the financial backing is divided between the state’s HBPA (Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association) and the track itself. Others are funded 100% by the owner of the racetrack and private donations. Often, the chaplains will hold fundraisers, such as golf tournaments, to assist them with their financial needs. Leaders of any racetrack church will
tell you that being in good favor with track management is paramount. Together, they can do great things.
I encourage you, the next time you go to the races, to find out about the chaplain. See what good work is being done there. Take the time to be enlightened about the many positive aspects of our great business. Then, simply spread the word.
90 SPEEDHORSE, April 2016