Race Track Chaplaincy
of America 
"Ministering to the horse racing 
industry since 1972"
Logo No White Background
2365 Harrodsburg Rd., Suite A120
Lexington, KY 40504
P: 859-410-7822   F: 859-219-1424
Newsletter October 2013
Dear RTCA Supporter,

On October 31st, we will celebrate our 2013 White Horse Event during which time our prestigious White Horse Award will be presented.  The White Horse Award recognizes someone who has performed a heroic action on behalf of horse or human during the past 12 months. Our first White Horse Award was presented to Leigh Gray in 2003 when the Breeders Cup World Championships were held in San Anita, California.  Since 2003, our award recipients have come from  IL, LA, MD, KY, and OK.  This year, the White Horse Award will be presented to Dr. Michael Mason, DVM, from Emerald Downs, Auburn, WA.  Over the years, the heroic efforts and sacrifices of these unsung heroes remind us of the sacrifice our Lord Jesus Christ made for us on the cross at Cavalry. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him will not perish, but will have everlasting life."   

 

Everyday, RTCA Chaplains serve on the back and front side of the racetrack sharing the life saving message of our Lord Jesus Christ, ministering hope and encouragement for life on this earth and into eternity.  This year's "Community Service Award" will be presented to Marylou Whitney and John Henderson of Saratoga, NY.  A "Tribute to Excellence Award" will also be presented posthumously to Charles Whittingham.  Mr. Whittingham will be represented by his widow, Peggy Whittingham, and their daughter, Charlene von Bleucher.  If you are in California for the Breeders Cup, we would love to have you join us at our White Horse Luncheon as we honor Dr. Michael Mason and our other award recipients.  Please call our office at 859-410-7822 or visit our website at www.rtcanational.org to purchase your luncheon tickets.  We look forward to seeing you there.  

 

Thank you and God Bless.    

 
-Chaplain Craig 
Derby Restaurant White Horse Award Luncheon to be Held at The Derby Restaurant

 

 

Race Track Chaplaincy of America invites you to join us during our 2013 White Horse Award Luncheon. Featuring Barry Irwin of Team Valor, International Owner of Animal Kingdom, Winner of the 2011 Kentucky Derby.

 

Thursday, October 31  

10:30 a.m.

The Derby Restaurant

Arcadia, CA

 

We are excited to hold this year's event at The Derby Restaurant located at 233 Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA. The Derby Restaurant's close proximity to Santa Anita Park attracts horse owners and racetrack enthusiasts alike. The Derby's decor includes mementos of racing greats, including its previous owner, George Woolf, nicknamed "The Iceman", known for riding the people's champion, Seabiscuit, to victories in 1938. 

 

Come join us this year. Tickets are $125 per person (or a table of 10 for $1,100). 

 

Click here to register.

 

Terry & Beth Price
Spotlight on RTCA Board Member Terry Price    
Race Track Chaplaincy of America is pleased to have Terry Price serving as its Council President's Representative. He has been involved with RTCA for several years serving on RTCA - Arizona Council's Chaplaincy as a member, secretary, vice president, and president. 

 

Born and raised in Raton, NM, Terry grew up around La Mesa Park racetrack.  He attended New Mexico State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and worked on a Masters of Engineering in Nuclear Engineering at Texas A&M.

In 1970, he married his childhood sweetheart, Beth. 

 

Terry describes how he see's RTCA's mission being carried out: 

 I have watched Chaplain John Shumaker, and before him Chaplain Carl, minister to all the people on the track, both front and back side.  I have watched those committing their lives to Christ be baptized in a horse trough, I have witnessed the growth of those attending Sunday service from a handful to the extent that a new worship center was needed (and still growing), and the number of people in attendance at Bible studies grow to more than fill the empty seats around the tables.   

 

 Click here to read more

 

RTCA's New Director of Administration & Operations takes to the Field

Remington Park in Oklahoma City welcomed a staff assistance visit

from RTCA's new Director of Administration and Operations, Jose "Omar" Aracena. Omar welcomed the exciting opportunity to serve God by serving people through the Race Track Chaplaincy of Remington Park. 

Omar ministers to Remington Park's Backstretch 

In his own words, Omar speaks about his experience:

     This chaplaincy has a group of dedicated individuals that supports the work God is doing in their midst by investing their time, talents, and resources to the ministry.

     I remember their excitement, love, and compassion when they were serving food to a cafeteria full of workers who attend their weekly bible class or their commitment to help them grow in the word of God by bringing a fresh message of hope and encouragement.

     The chaplain has daily devotional time with the backstretch workers via the public announcement system and by visiting their barns and distributing candy to all of them. This is a tool he uses not only to sweeten their lives with the candy he distributes, but to get closer to them and find out how he can better serve their needs.  

 

Click here to read more

 

RTCA Family Remembers Carol (White) Marino 

Carol (White) Marino, 82, went to be with the Lord on August 22, 2013. Carol was born December 24, 1931, in Upland, CA, and was the only child of Ted and Lola Meyer. 

 

In 1950, Carol married Barry White and their only child, Christine, was born on February 2, 1952. Barry passed away in January 1970 and Carol and Christine moved to the San Francisco Bay area. 

 

During the formation of RTCA's Northern California Council in 1977, which covers Bay Meadows and Golden Gate Fields, Carol was named secretary of the council and so her involvement with RTCA began. By 1980, she was the president of the Northern California Council. As her involvement grew, she began to serve RTCA on a national level and in 1984, she served as National's RTCA secretary.  From 1985-1988, she was elected as National's RTCA Interim Executive Director. It was during this time period that she met Ray Marino and the two were married on October 24, 1987. 

 

Shortly after her marriage to Ray, they both retired and enjoyed traveling. Carol served as a volunteer chaplain at St. Joseph Hospital, starting in January 2002. Carol's husband, Ray, preceded her in death November 25, 2003. She is survived by her precious daughter, Christine Lougher and husband, Arnie; granddaughter Heather Lagarde and husband Luc; grandson Nicholas Block and wife, Jamee; great-grandsons Caleb, Cooper, and Lucas. She wanted it said that she "ran the good race" and was ready to meet her Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

 

RTCA Shirt RTCA Apparel for Sale
Get RTCA gear for coworkers, family, and friends by visiting our apparel store online. Choose from shirts, hats, jackets, rain gear, and more.  Various colors and styles to choose from. To visit our store, click here and enter RTCA2011 in the Access Company Store block. 
 
Praying hands

In Memoriam

Please join us in offering condolences to the families of these friends of RTCA who have recently passed away.
 
Harry F. Thompson, Jr., 75, one of the leading trainers in Penn National Race Course history died Tuesday, September 17, at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, PA. Thompson was born in Manassas, VA. He began training at Penn National in 1989. He ranks third among trainers in the 40-year history of the track with 2,187 wins. Thompson was Penn National's leading trainer seven years: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2002, and 2003. Over the course of his lifetime, Thompson registered 2,671 victories, which ranks 35th among North American-based trainers in North America. Thompson was a proud member of the U.S. Marine Corps. He is survived by his wife Lynn, and sons Barry, Garry, Kerry, and Terry.
 
Jorge Ortega, 56, licensed groom at Canterbury Park, Shakopee, MN, died of injuries resulting from a horse related accident. Ortega was going through a pre-saddling routine when the horse suddenly reared and pushed him into a wall. He is survived by his wife and daughter.   

 
In This Issue
WHA Luncheon
Spotlight on Terry Price
RTCA's New Dir. of A & O
Remembering Carol Marino
RTCA Apparel for Sale
In Memoriam




 
 
 
 

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Daily Oats

Consume one of these 

31 devotionals each 

day for a month. Each

 has a western or horse racing theme, 

accompanied by an appropriate Bible 

Daily Oats

verse. The book features full color, fine art on a background 

of detailed leather tooling. Written 

by noted Texas Chaplain Sam Ed Spence, with contributions by Chaplain Pete Criswell, it makes 

a great gift. This 

one-of-a-kind book 

will be a welcome addition to anyone's coffee table or library.

Copies are available 

for a donation of $10 

or more and additional copies can be ordered and mailed at the 

same price. Order 

yours today by calling 

859-410-7822.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and 

God our Father, who 

loved us and by his 

grace gave us eternal encouragement and 

good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." 

2 Thessalonians 

2:16-17  

 

 H&J

 

 

 

Upcoming Events

October 31, 2013 at 10:30 AM 
The Derby Restaurant
233 Huntington Dr.
Arcadia, CA 91007



Prayer Requests

Amazing things can happen when people come into agreement. Join with RTCA as we lift up these people in prayer:
  • Praying HandsJames Watson, Retired Ex-Chaplain for Belmont Park, Hip Surgery
  • David Whited (Horse Trainer), Serious Head Injury
  • Patsy Payne - Recovering from Surgery
  • Chaplain Carl Crisswell, Back Injury
  • RTCA's White Horse Award Luncheon
  • Upcoming October Board Meeting
  • All RTCA Chaplains, Councils, Region Directors, Board Members