Over 3,500 people make up the community of workers who toil behind the scenes in support of the Thoroughbred racing industry at Belmont Park, Aqueduct Racetrack, and Saratoga Springs Race Course. The New York Race Track Chaplaincy ministers to the heart and soul of the “Backstretch” community with children's enrichment, social service, and recreational programs, educational opportunities, and non-denominational religious services.
The Chaplaincy provides these extensive services with the intent of satisfying not only spiritual needs but also basic human necessities, and its unique population is served without regard to race, creed, religion, background, or social status.
The NY Race Track Chaplaincy Charity Basketball Game, of the most popular events on the Saratoga social calendar, routinely attracts more than 300 fans and extensive media attention.
Sponsorships for the game are now available here.
One of the top jockeys in the country will wear your silks as the jockeys take on the horseman on the hardwood for the 13th annual contest pitting jockeys against horsemen.
The jockeys’ team, coached each year by Hall of Fame jockey Angel Cordero Jr., has included former NBA players Rashard Lewis and Avery Johnson.
Trainers Todd Pletcher and Kiaran McLaughlin coach the horsemen’s team and the always colorful Mitch Levites of the NYRA television department serves as the announcer.
Proceeds from this event serve to benefit signature programs of the NY Race Track Chaplaincy.
In addition to the action on the hardwood, there will be several raffles, promotional merchandise for sale and several other surprises.
Tipoff for the game is set for 6:30 p.m. on August 4th at the Saratoga Rec Center.