Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy

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Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy

In fact, the faith-based work at the tracks is often described as the Backside Ministry. Website
www.kychaplaincy.org

The Kentucky Racetrack Chaplaincy is an interdenominational ministry serving workers at Kentucky's race tracks and horse training centers
http://kychaplaincy.org/ Although the ministry helps to meet the needs of all workers involved in horseracing, its efforts are predominantly focused on what is known as the “backside” of tracks. MEETING NEEDS

The backside of tracks can be compared to little com

munities, and there’s a sense of family among race track workers. The ministry, through the service of its chaplains, strives to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of those race track workers by offering:

• Weekly worship services and Bible studies
• Christ-centered activities that promote fellowship
• Baptism, marriage and funeral services
• Individual counseling

OUR HISTORY

Chaplains began serving at Kentucky race tracks not long after the founding in 1972 of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America, a non-profit interdenominational organization. As the ministry grew, the Kentucky division of the chaplaincy was formally established in 1989. Today, the interdenominational ministry has chaplains serving at Churchill Downs, Ellis Park and Turfway Park race tracks, as well as thoroughbred training centers in Kentucky.

08/28/2026

A huge thank you to Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) for generously donating backpacks and school supplies for the children of the horsemen we serve at Churchill Downs and at two of the farms in our community! 🎒✏️

Because of their generosity, these children were able to start the new school year with backpacks filled with supplies they can use and enjoy. Seeing their excitement—and the gratitude of their families—made this donation even more special.

These backpacks were more than just school supplies. They were a reminder to these families that their children are seen, valued, and cared for by their community.

We are so grateful to TCA for partnering with us and helping us serve our horsemen and their families in such a practical and meaningful way. ❤️

08/13/2026

Just a few moments with one of the familiar faces of our Turfway Park community, Chaplain Steve Rodriguez. 🤍

Chaplain Steve has a gift for making people feel seen and welcomed. Whether he’s walking the backside, stopping for a conversation, offering encouragement, or simply being there, he continues to be a steady light to the people he serves.

His heart for this community and his commitment to walking alongside those within it mean so much to Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy.

We ask that you continue to pray for Chaplain Steve and our entire Turfway family—that God would strengthen, guide, and use them as they continue serving and caring for the people of the backside.

08/06/2026

Over our last several posts, we’ve shared many of the moments and events we’ve had the pleasure of providing for our backside community.

But another important part of what we provide is our clothing closet.

Working long, hard hours every day can take a toll on clothing and cause it to wear out much faster. Being able to provide good-quality clothing is something we always want to continue doing for the people we serve.

Along with clothing, we also provide everyday necessities such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, soap, and other personal-care items. Having these items available gives our community an easier and more accessible way to get what they need.

If you’ve been on the fence about getting involved with our ministry or haven’t found the right way to help, supporting the clothing closet is a great place to start.

To learn more about what we need or how to donate, email us at [[email protected]] or send us a DM here!

07/28/2026

☀️ Summer feels a little like this...

Sharing a meal around the table. Hearing laughter fill the room. Watching families simply enjoy being together.

In early July, our Children's Ministry families gathered at La Piñata for an afternoon of good food, genuine conversation, and time to slow down with one another.

One of the sweetest moments came as the young women from Go Ministry prayed over each family, asking for God's blessing, wisdom, and guidance in every home. It was a beautiful reminder that some of the strongest relationships are built in moments like these.

Thank you to every family who joined us and to the incredible volunteers from Go Ministry who made this day possible. We're thankful for the memories made and the opportunity to continue walking alongside these families. 🤍

07/22/2026

Sometimes, the greatest gift you can give is a chance to simply slow down.

Our Women’s Pampering Event was created to do just that—a special evening where the hardworking women of the Kentucky racing community could step away from the demands of daily life to enjoy fellowship, encouragement, and a little time to be cared for themselves.

From dinner and a devotional to a craft, manicures, hand massages, back massages, and thoughtful swag bags, every part of the evening was designed to remind each woman that she is seen, valued, and loved.

A heartfelt thank you toThe Jockey Club Safety Net, represented by Shannon Kelly, for their generous support of dinner, massages, and many of the special touches that made this evening possible.

We are also incredibly grateful to the Horse Racing Women’s Association, represented by Stephanie Hronis, for helping provide the wonderful swag bag items that each guest was able to take home.

Thank you to every volunteer, donor, and partner who helped make this evening such a blessing. Your generosity allows us to continue sharing Christ’s love in practical ways with the women we have the privilege of serving every day. 💜

07/20/2026

You won’t find our ministry in one place.

You’ll find it walking the barns. Sitting beside someone who needs to talk. Praying before the workday begins. Showing up, one conversation at a time.

The chapel is more than a building—it’s a reminder that hope doesn’t stay inside four walls.

That’s the heart of Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy.

07/13/2026

Once again, we’re so grateful for our Southeast Christian Church Beechmont Center family!

This time, we had the joy of welcoming your youth group to serve alongside us. Their willingness to give their time, lend a hand, and be part of our community meant so much.

Thank you for continuing to show up and serve our backside families with us!

07/08/2026

To our Ellis Park family, we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve you more as we continue to grow together.

Every new relationship gives us the chance to better understand—and better tell—the many stories behind the track. That is a blessing we never want to take for granted.

Thank you to Ellis Park for welcoming a few of us today as we spent time together with our Ellis Park chaplain, Miguel, talking about how we can continue serving one another even better.

07/07/2026

Grateful for new servant hearts becoming part of a story that’s been unfolding for years.

Today, we were grateful to welcome a team from St. James Church as they served our Monday night meal for the very first time. Joining them were their pastor and one of the church’s elders, both pictured here serving alongside the rest of the team.

It was a blessing to see another church step into this ministry with willing hands and compassionate hearts. Thank you, St. James Church, for spending your evening caring for our racing community. We hope this is just the beginning of many more Mondays together.

Address

Louisville, KY

Website

http://www.kychaplaincy.org/

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