Kentucky Downs

Jesus Amaya

Chaplain

Jesús Amaya

Phone: 270-925-9330

Jesús serves as chaplain at Ellis Park, where his ministry of presence actively extends to all persons on the backside and frontside. “Jesse” is a naturalized citizen, a preacher’s son from Guadalupe, México. He has pastored Hispanic congregations in Texas and Kentucky and currently serves at Bellevue Baptist in Owensboro. He graduated from the Baptist University of the Americas in San Antonio and is studying for a M.A.T.S. at Southwestern Seminary. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have two sons.

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.