Heavenly Father,

As we embark on this new horse racing season at the beautiful Saratoga Race Course, we thank you for the joy and excitement that this summer brings. 

We pray for the horses, asking that they run well and be kept in sound health. Surround all those involved in this sport: grooms, hot-walkers, barn personnel, trainers, jockeys, valets, gate crews, agents, owners, and office staff, with your protection and guidance. May they experience a joyous, safe, and prosperous Saratoga season. 

We also ask that the crowds bring enthusiasm and joy, creating cherished memories for families and friends. Lord God, please grant traveling mercies to all who journey from near and far to be part of this wonderful Saratoga Summer Season.

Let us find comfort daily in Your Word, which says in Psalm 37:4 

“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” 

May this season be filled with delight and blessings for all.

In your name, we pray. 

Amen

Dear Friends,

As summer arrives in full swing, so too does the vibrant energy of our Saratoga season, and we are once again overwhelmed with gratitude for the community that makes this time of year so special for the families we serve.

A heartfelt thank you to the Saratoga welcome team, led with care and enthusiasm by the wonderful Kim Weir, for preparing beautiful welcome baskets for our arriving backstretch families. These thoughtful gifts set the tone for a season of hospitality and belonging. We are especially grateful to the YMCA Wilton Branch, Tom Edgette and the Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons Racing Partnership, Molly and Ron Brindle, Kathy and Dave Williamson, Brown Road Racing, Temple Sinai’s Bread & Torah program, the Schuyler Hills 1 community, and Saratoga Springs Friends of Recreation for contributing such a generous assortment of essential items.

We are also deeply thankful to Keith and Amy Augustine of Lazy Dog Cookie for serving as the drop-off point for this special effort.

In addition to our regular programs, we’ve had some meaningful moments that brought the community together in powerful ways. Our sincere thanks to McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds for once again hosting a warm and welcoming dinner that brought together staff and families from Saratoga-area farms.

We extend heartfelt appreciation to Michelle and Walt Borisenok for opening their gates at Old Tavern Farm to our teen mentoring group, offering a tour and an introduction to the breeding industry that was both educational and inspiring. Thank you also to Tracy Egan and the New York Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund for their steadfast support of our youth programs and so much more.

Our own Nick Caras, with the enthusiastic support of NYTHA, has ensured that backstretch workers continue to enjoy one of summer’s simplest joys: ice cream cones. In addition, weekly recreational programming has resumed for early arrivals at the track, offering encouragement, community, and connection from day one.

Our teen mentoring and women’s enrichment programs marked the end of another successful season with special concluding ceremonies celebrating growth, learning, and friendship. Our summer offerings, including new programs like watercolor classes, are now in full swing.

Finally, we were proud to participate once again in the annual Elmont Belmont Parade, celebrating our local community with pride and joy.

Thank you for your continued support, your prayers, your generosity, and your belief in the dignity of the hardworking men and women who keep the racing industry running. We look forward to all that this summer season will bring and we are grateful to share it with you.

With gratitude,

Chaplain Humberto Chávez

Lead Chaplain and Executive Director

Rest In Peace, D. Wayne Lukas

Photo Credit: Skip Dickstein

D. Wayne Lukas, who passed away in June at age 89, was a Hall of Fame trainer who transformed American Thoroughbred racing. With 15 Triple Crown race victories and over 5,000 wins, he pioneered the modern coast-to-coast stable operation and mentored some of the sport’s most successful trainers, including Todd Pletcher (pictured above along with his wife Tracy as they were both honored at the NY Chaplaincy 2023 Brunch) and Kiaran McLaughlin (honored in 2018 along with his wife Letty). His influence reshaped the industry and his legacy endures through the champions he trained and the people he inspired. Our prayers are with his family and his wide circle of friends.

Scenes from June 2025

BACK TO SCHOOL PROGRAM

Our annual Back to School Program provides our children with a backpack filled with the specific supplies required by their teacher, as well as a brand new pair of sneakers.

The distribution of backpacks and sneakers is a festive celebration complete with first day of school haircuts. Your support has allowed this program to flourish and we thank you! You may participate in the 2025 program by clicking the button below.

2025 Annual Brunch August 13th, 2025

Join us for our annual fundraiser as we honor Hall of Fame jockey Johnny Velazquez and his wife Leona. Click below for tickets and for information about joining our current sponsors, listed below. We hope to see you at the Brunch!

THANK YOU TO OUR ORGANIZATIONAL SPONSORS