Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy

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.

Rain or shine, we'll be there. ☔❤️This week, we gathered at Trackside for a community cookout.Although rainy, the conver...
05/29/2026

Rain or shine, we'll be there. ☔❤️

This week, we gathered at Trackside for a community cookout.

Although rainy, the conversations, laughter, and fellowship were true and meaningful.

At KRTC, we're grateful for opportunities like these to build relationships and walk alongside the people who make our racing community so special.

A huge thank you to the volunteers who gave their time and energy to make this event possible. Your servant hearts help create moments of connection that last far beyond a single meal.

Take a look at some of the smiling faces below—the rain didn't stand a chance against their joy!

One of the most meaningful moments from Race For Grace 2026 came during the keynote conversation with Will Walden, Pat D...
05/26/2026

One of the most meaningful moments from Race For Grace 2026 came during the keynote conversation with Will Walden, Pat Day, and Elliot Walden.

Together, they spoke honestly about addiction, failure, redemption, and what it means to keep getting back up even after falling more times than you can count.

One thing that stood out most was the reminder that people don’t just need second chances sometimes—they need third, fourth, and fifth ones too. They need community. They need people willing to believe in them when they’re struggling to believe in themselves.

Race Track Chaplaincies exist for moments and people like these.

To walk alongside others through hard seasons.
To remind them they are not alone.
To continue showing up with grace, support, and hope.

Thank you again to Will Walden, Pat Day, Elliot Walden, and everyone who helped make Race For Grace such a meaningful night. 🤍

Photo Credit 📸 Nicole Finch

Mondays on the Churchill Backside 🏇Thankful for the volunteers from Hurstbourne Christian Church who helped serve and lo...
05/20/2026

Mondays on the Churchill Backside 🏇

Thankful for the volunteers from Hurstbourne Christian Church who helped serve and love our Churchill community this week.

Every conversation, every meal, every act of service — it all matters.

Get your church involved today!

https://kychaplaincy.org/volunteer

Ladies’ Sewing Class! ✂️🧵While KRTC hosts potlucks, dinners, church services, and ministry events, we also love creating...
05/20/2026

Ladies’ Sewing Class! ✂️🧵

While KRTC hosts potlucks, dinners, church services, and ministry events, we also love creating opportunities that are interactive, creative, and fun for the women, men, couples, and children in our community.

This was one of those special events!

A huge thank you to our volunteers for coming out and teaching our lovely ladies the ropes of sewing. We’re so grateful for the time, patience, and joy you shared!

Giving gratitude where it’s due 🤍Our volunteers!Pictured below are two of the groups who help serve our Monday night din...
05/16/2026

Giving gratitude where it’s due 🤍

Our volunteers!

Pictured below are two of the groups who help serve our Monday night dinners: Fern Creek Christian Church and our women’s Churchill Bible study.

These moments may seem small, but they help make the life-changing ones possible. We’re incredibly grateful for our volunteers and the time, care, and support they so generously give to the Chaplaincy and the backside community.

Thank you for serving these last two weeks!

Grit, Glory & GraceThe stories behind the racetrack.When choosing a cause to support, understanding the “why” matters mo...
05/14/2026

Grit, Glory & Grace
The stories behind the racetrack.

When choosing a cause to support, understanding the “why” matters most.

This is one of those reasons.

Over the last year, we’ve walked alongside a horseman and his family through one of the hardest seasons of their lives. Alcoholism is a battle many quietly fight, and escaping it can feel impossible—especially when it begins affecting every part of life around you.

But sometimes, when someone reaches their lowest point, having people reach back for them can change everything. The KRTC strives to be those people before, during, and after these moments.

After years of struggling with alcoholism, this horseman was rushed to the hospital with cirrhosis. That moment became a turning point.

Since then, he has stopped drinking and begun rebuilding his life through faith, community, and support. Throughout that journey, KRTC has continued walking alongside this family—offering encouragement spiritually, while also helping provide groceries and financial assistance through the generosity of others.

Moments like this are why the Chaplaincy exists.

Real people. Real struggles. Real grace. 🤍

A heartfelt thank you to Jim and Pattie Dale Tye for sponsoring Race For Grace 2026! 🐎✨Your support means so much and he...
05/10/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Jim and Pattie Dale Tye for sponsoring Race For Grace 2026! 🐎✨

Your support means so much and helps us continue making a difference where it matters most.

All our gratitude to L & N Federal Credit Union for being a Winner’s Circle Sponsor! ✨Your support truly makes a differe...
05/10/2026

All our gratitude to L & N Federal Credit Union for being a Winner’s Circle Sponsor! ✨

Your support truly makes a difference and helps us continue our mission every day.

Some more moments from last week’s Race For Grace 🤍We’re so grateful for everyone who helped make the night so meaningfu...
05/08/2026

Some more moments from last week’s Race For Grace 🤍

We’re so grateful for everyone who helped make the night so meaningful—from the conversations shared to the support shown for the backside community. Already counting down to next year! 🎉

Keep an eye out on our website for your pictures from Race For Grace!

Photographer: BNB Photography

05/07/2026

"I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them." 1 Timothy 2:1

Today is the National Day of Prayer! On this first Thursday in May, we pause to pray for our nation, its leaders, our communities, and certainly those we minister to in the horse racing community. This year's theme: "Glorify God Among the Nations, Seeking Him in All Generations.”

May we come before our faithful Father to pray in unity, humility, and faith. Wherever you are — join us in prayer today. God bless️!

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Louisville, KY

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