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 Awards. This year's honorees are as follows:
White Horse Award – The winner of this year's White Horse Award is Victoria Don Dorrian. On the morning of Sept. 28, 2019, a horse managed to get loose off the backside of Prairie Meadows Racetrack. The horse ran all over the immediate area, into parking lots of local restaurants, gas stations, hotels, etc. All the while Victoria was in a truck pursuing the horse.
Their greatest fear came true as the horse eventually made its way onto the eastbound I-80 interstate, running towards the oncoming traffic. Victoria eventually caught up to the horse in the westbound traffic lane, leapt out of the truck, jumped over a concrete median (never once looking at the traffic coming from behind her), waived the horse down, and eventually captured the horse.
“Victoria showed poise and dedication like all true horsemen in such a situation by being calm and ready to act,” said Jon Moss, Iowa HBPA Executive Director, “even in a dangerous situation. The Iowa HBPA who nominated her for the award are immensely proud of her actions and how it demonstrated that horsemen are dedicated to not only their own, but to everyone's horses at the track.”
To see Victoria's story, click here: 2020 RTCA White Horse Award Winner
Community Service Award – The winner of this year's RTCA Community Service Award is Erin Crady, Executive Director of the Thoroughbred Charities of America for her continual support to racetrack Chaplaincies nationwide and beyond.
RTCA Executive Director Dan Waits said: “TCA helps so many non-profit organizations in the thoroughbred industry to improve the lives of horses and those who take care of them. Erin has always been an advocate of the Chaplaincy and partners with our National office and several local Chaplaincies to get backstretch and farm employees the help they need. RTCA is privileged to honor her in this way.”
Due to COVID-19, the traditional White Horse Awards ceremony will not be possible, however, RTCA will be honoring this year's recipients through various channels of communications, including social media.
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