The 2026 KRTC Race for Grace Gala and Auction
On April 27, 2026, more than 500 supporters gathered for a powerful evening celebrating the mission of the Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy. Sponsors, donors, and friends filled the First Turn Club with energy and generosity from the very start.
Mark Klein kept the room laughing, and Pat Day and Elliott Walden led a moving conversation with Will Walden about addiction, redemption, and the courage to rise again. Their message—that people need community, grace, and more than just second chances—echoed the heart of KRTC’s ministry. KRTC President Jim Tye honored the chaplains’ year‑round work, and Tony Estes welcomed guests to a wonderful dinner overlooking the track. Then generosity took center stage. Sponsors and donors drove the live and silent auctions to new heights, and the “fastest two minutes in giving” became a thrilling moment of impact. Every gift and every bid helped strengthen the backside racing community.
It was a night of grit, guts, and glory—made possible by those who believe in this mission and give so faithfully. Because of them, the ministry moves forward stronger and filled with hope. |
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Check the link here for more pictures at Race for Grace. You might see your generous self!!
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You Made a Difference at the 2026 Race for Grace!
Race for Grace exists because of the grace and goodness of God. Anita Nesser is a clear example of that grace through her gift to the Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy. For three years, Anita has faithfully served as our presenting sponsor, answering God’s call to stand with this ministry in a powerful way. Her generosity, her heart, and her obedience to God have touched countless lives on the backsides of Kentucky’s racetracks. We thank God for her and for the impact she continues to make through her support.
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Race for Grace was BLESSED by our Winning Circle sponsors |
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RACE For Grace is grateful for our MANY Finish Line sponsors |
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Frank and Sue Taylor/Taylor Made Stallions Gilliam Mease Advisors
KY Equine Med Assoc Montgomery East-KIA Stores
Alexis Harthill BJB Restoration Brook Ledge
Edwards Development and Management |
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| Safe Harbor Winchester Place Thoroughbreds Lynn Boshart - Turner Foundation Airdrie Stud Caldwell Tanks/Preload Pro Turf Suellen Holloway Highpoint Training Center James Fletcher Racing |
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Race for Grace was a MASSIVE success thanks to our
Down the Stretch sponsors |
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Fasig-Tipton Diorio's/Arnolds Boats Taylor Made Stallions Godolphin CJ Thoroughbreds |
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Kentucky Thoroughbred Association Shepherd Insurance Stored Valued Solutions ECL Entertainment |
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KRTC can always count on these Call To Post sponsors Norton Healthcare Mike and Debbie Redmon Northeast Christian Church |
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Chaplain Pavel, Chaplain Maykel, Chaplain Miquel, Chaplain Eddy, Women's Ministry Director Melanie, Children's Ministry Director Natalie |
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Here are some special moments from our Easter/Pascua service! From heartfelt worship and joyful fellowship to delicious food and an exciting Easter egg hunt for the children, it was a truly memorable gathering. Thanks to God—He is risen! |
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| Valentine’s Celebration at the Chapel at Churchill Downs
Our chaplaincy hosted a special Valentine’s dinner for our Churchill family, uniting everyone for a delicious meal, an uplifting message, and a lively couples game. The evening was filled with warmth, laughter, and genuine fellowship. |
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| | Training Center Outreach
Throughout the winter, our KRTC team has made weekly visits to Trackside, Highpoint, and Skylight training centers, offering warm drinks, coats, Bibles, and words of encouragement. We are thankful that, through these simple acts, individuals feel seen, valued, and supported. |
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Serving Near and Far
Melanie has extended her care beyond the Churchill community, accompanying women to appointments, assisting with errands, and offering support through life’s challenges. Along the way, she continues to build meaningful relationships and uplift others through prayer. |
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New Turfway and Belterra Assistant Chaplain Eddy Alcala,
A husband and father of 10, he left a successful career as a chemist at L’Oréal USA to answer his call to full‑time ministry. Originally from Texas and now in Florence, Kentucky, he has spent decades serving in worship, youth, and teaching ministries, strengthening congregations and mentoring emerging leaders.
As Southwest District Men’s Ministry Leader, he grew men’s engagement and outreach. Since March 2026, his work with Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy has supported racetrack workers through challenges and grief. Inspired by Stephen in Acts 7, Eddy serves with compassion and hopes to expand his ministry’s reach.
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Eddy recently joined Chaplain Steve in serving at Turfway and Belterra, where up to 45 horsemen and women now attend worship and dinner each week. Despite the harsh winter, the dedication on the track was remarkable—jockeys mounting in freezing temperatures and backside workers rising before dawn to walk and groom horses in the cold.
This past winter, local businesses stepped up in a big way, donating cold and flu medicine, gloves, and beanies. Chaplain Steve delivered more than 100 gift bags throughout the barns, and generous partners provided new jackets, sweaters, socks, and winter pants for the Turfway clothing closet. Each week, over fifty individuals are being served and encouraged through this ministry. |
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We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Chip Bach on his retirement as General Manager of Turfway Park in Florence, Kentucky. We are sincerely grateful for his unwavering support of our chaplaincy throughout the years. Chip’s leadership, encouragement, and partnership have had a profound impact on the backstretch community. Thank you, Chip, and may you enjoy every blessing in this next chapter of your life! In the picture are Churchill Downs Senior Chaplain Pavel Urruchi and Turfway Park Chaplain Steve Rodriguez. |
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| Meet new Executive Director Ken Fleming:
Having grown up in Louisville, Ken Fleming attended Ballard High School and graduated from the University of Kentucky. He spent 10 years in the finance and banking industry, then managed his family’s aerial surveying and mapping company and became his association’s national president. After selling his company, Ken served as Executive Director of a not-for-profit mental health center that helps clients navigate mental health challenges and now leads Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy.
In addition, Ken was a Louisville Metro Councilman and now serves as a State Representative. Ken and his wife, Ann, have two children: Katherine, who is married to Lee Cotton, and Caroline. He enjoys being with his family, flying, fishing, reading, and being at the beach. |
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“I had many wonderful experiences during my 32 years as a thoroughbred jockey but my work with the chaplaincy is decidedly more rewarding and fulfilling. Thank you sponsors, partners, and supporters from every corner of this ministry. God bless!”
- Hall of Fame Jockey, Pat Day
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KRTC BOARD OF DIRECTORS/OFFICERS Jim Tye, President Ron Presser, Secretary Gene Snowden, Jr., Treasurer Executive Director Ken Fleming Directors Rich Gimmel Keith Sorrels Stacy Murphy Dan Fick Mike Ridge Bruce Eyre Tony Estes Ferrin Peterson Administrator
Mike Redmon
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Dear Friends,
To every donor, sponsor, guest, and volunteer—thank you. Your generosity and presence made this year’s Race for Grace Gala & Auction a powerful celebration of compassion and community.
Because of you, the Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy can continue meeting the spiritual and material needs of the backside workers and families at the tracks we serve. Your support provides worship, counseling, meals, hygiene essentials, and the steady presence of our chaplains—52 weeks a year.
Your kindness strengthens a community that often works behind the scenes but deserves to be seen and cared for. Thank you for standing with us and helping us bring hope to the heart of the racing industry. We are deeply grateful for your partnership, which inspires us to serve with hope and purpose every day.
Please check our website, www.kychaplaincy.org, for more updates and events.
In His Service, |
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