Backstretch Employee Services Team

B.E.S.T. is a not-for-profit organization that provides a full range of health and social services to support workers in the barn areas of the Belmont Park, Aqueduct and Saratoga racetracks. The goal of B.E.S.T. is to provide multiple on-site health and social service care as well as strong connections to additional resources to help backstretch workers lead healthy and full lives.

Belmont Child Care Association

The Belmont Child Care Association, a not-for-profit corporation, was formed in 1998 at the initiative of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association to address the need for child care services at New York area racetracks. It has established an on-site childcare center (Anna’s House) for working families at New York area racetracks. It also provides scholarship funds to those unable to afford the cost. Its volunteer board is composed of representatives from all segments of the racing industry.

The Race for Education

Founded in 2002, The Race For Education awards need-based college scholarships to students who might not have the opportunity for other financial aid. The Race For Education’s primary source of funding is the Racehorse Nomination Program, in which owners donate a percentage of their racehorses’ earnings to the scholarship program. One hundred percent of all donations to The Race For Education go toward its scholarships and other educational programs.

Thoroughbred Charities of America

Thoroughbred Charities of America (“TCA”), is the largest non-profit organization of the Thoroughbred industry. TCA’s mission is to raise money for Thoroughbred rescue, retirement, retraining, research, education, backstretch and therapeutic riding programs. Over the past 16 years, TCA has issued more than $12 million in grants to over 150 organizations in 35 states.

Thoroughbred Thank You Fund

The Thoroughbred Thank You Fund was created in early 2005 by West Point Thoroughbreds president Terry Finley as a way for the racing industry to express its gratitude to the men and women serving in active duty. Its goal is to send troops to major races each year.