Our Volunteers
The Chaplaincy relies on volunteers and donations to support its good work. The annual "Race for Grace" event is also an important source of ongoing financial support for the chaplains' outreach and ministry. This fundraising dinner—held every year the Monday evening before the Kentucky Derby—is supported by retired Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day, who is actively involved in the chaplaincy's work. Get Involved
A Non-Profit Organization
Our Chaplains work and minister under the organization known as the Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy, Inc., a non-profit 501c(3) organization. Their outreach and ministry activities are made possible by donations to KRTC. All gifts are eligible for tax deductible consideration.To request public financial information about KRTC, please contact us at 502.636.4476 or send an email to info@kychaplaincy.org. Thank you for your interest.
2022 Directors and Officers
President: Daniel FickVice President: Anthony Estes
Secretary: Polly Dunlavy
Treasurer: Gene Snowden, Jr.
Director: Gary Wayne Churchman
Director: Pete Cline
Director: Vanessa Parker
Director: Ronald Presser
Director: Michael Ridge
Director: Keith Sorrels
Director: James Tye
Director: Craig Wiley
Clothing Closet
The Clothing Closet exists to provide for some of the basic needs horsemen have that come through Churchill Downs. For one reason or another, whether they just started working or they've given much of their money to their family for various needs, they may be unable to immediately obtain items like shampoo, soap, a blanket, or even a towel. We seek to love them in the name of the Lord Jesus by helping with some of the burdens of life as they work hard, day after day. It is open to all horsemen Mondays and Thursdays from 10AM to 12PM. Common Donated Items:
- Mens size 7-9 & Womens size 5-8 Work shoes | boots and tennis/running shoes.
- Winter coats, hats, and gloves.
- Jeans, work khakis (particularly 36 & under; Women's 10 & under)
- T-shirts
- Work shoes and boots, tennis shoes
- Twin-sized Bedding
- Toiletries (Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, razors, shaving cream)
- Towels
- Luggage (soft bags, duffle bags)
Meeting Needs
The backside of tracks can be compared to little communities, and there's a sense of family among race track workers. The ministry strives to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of those race track workers by offering:
- Daily interaction with workers in the barn area and around the race track
- Weekly worship services and Bible studies
- Christ-centered activities that promote fellowship.
- Baptism, marriage and funeral services
- Individual counseling
- An emergency food pantry
- Emergency clothes closet
- Help with transportation for necessisties
- Other related services
News and Media
- “A Ministry of Presence.” SECC Unleashed. March/April 2022. Volume 1, Issue 2.
- On April 11, 2022, two members of our team were interviewed on WLKY news
- Three news videos were done in the past year: - On April 15, 2022, a news story was done by WDRB.
- The following print articles are included in an attached pdf. “Faith leaders providing ministry to workers on the backside at Churchill Downs.” Darby Beane. April 15, 2022.
- “The Latino immigrants who make the Kentucky Derby tick.” The Guardian. May 1, 2021.
- “Golf Tournament to Benefit Belterra Park Chaplaincy.” Thoroughbred Daily News. June 2, 2021.