A hero is a person who is admired for courage, outstanding achievements, and noble qualities. There are heroes throughout the horse racing industry and the Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA) recognizes these selfless servants annually through its RTCA White Horse Award.
This year's nominees were as follows:
- Marshall Allen – Emerald Downs
- Julie Berry – Blue Grass Farms Charities
- Jonathan Estrada – Belmont Park
- Nick Garafola & Veronica Gallardo – Belmont Park
- Sebastian “Bas” Nichols – Ellis Park
- Marvin Navas Prado – Ellis Park
The winner of this year's RTCA White Horse Award is Marshall Allen, who saved the life of a long-time owner at Emerald Downs.
On the morning of May 9, assistant trainer Marshall Allen was in the shed row walking to saddle a horse, when he observed a man collapse as he was walking by the barn. Without hesitation, Marshall dropped what he had in his arms and rushed to the scene. The man who was in distress was long-time owner Jim Foulkes, a frequent visitor to the barn area. Marshall noticed the man's color turning blue and began to perform CPR.
Emergency Medical Technicians eventually arrived on the scene and took over; when they lost Foulkes heartbeat, they brought out the external defibrillator and urgently asked if anyone had a knife to cut open Foulkes shirt. It was once again Marshall Allen who swiftly acted and pulled a knife from his pocket. Once Foulkes was stabilized, he was transported to the hospital. The prognosis at the time seemed dim, but later in the day they learned that Foulkes was on a respirator in a medically induced coma and was “hanging in there.” Prayers requests chains circulated the barn area and were sent to RTCA National.
By May 13, Foulkes was off of ventilator, breathing on his own and was making steady progress to recovery. On July 1, he was in the barn area and paid a visit to the Stenslie's barn to thank the man whose fast action saved his life.
I was told it was “a goosebumps moment” said MaryAnn O'Connell, Executive Director, Washington HBPA. “Marshall was the perfect person to perform such a selfless act, putting himself aside”.
Due to Covid-19, the traditional White Horse Awards banquet were not able take place. Therefore, Marshall and the other WHA nominees will be recognized at their respective locations by RTCA Chaplains and representatives.
For more information, please contact the RTCA National Service Center at (859) 410-7822.
More about the Race Track Chaplaincy of America – The overall mission of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA), through its Councils and Chaplains, is to minister to the spiritual, emotional, physical, social, and educational needs of those persons involved in all aspects of the horse racing industry. “Follow” us on Facebook.
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