• Overview
• Education
• Health & Human Services
• Charities
• Transportation

Benevolence Overview

The goal of NYTHA's benevolence program is to enhance the quality of life on the Backstretch for assistant trainers, exercise riders, grooms, hotwalkers and the other workers who are essential to the care and training of Thoroughbreds. The benevolence program, which is recognized as among the best in the nation, accounts for NYTHA's largest single expenditure.

NYTHA allocates significant funding for the following programs:

• Medical and health benefits through the Backstretch Employee Service Team (B.E.S.T.)
• Dental care
• Eyeglasses
• Preventative medical attention (such as flu vaccinations and prostate/breast cancer screenings)
• Meal subsidies
• Racetrack Chaplaincy
• Rent assistance
• Scholarship opportunities and tuition counseling
• Supplements to Backstretch employee health and insurance benefits
• Burial assistance
• Donations to various organizations that assist the Backstretch employees, such as local health centers and youth programs
• Backstretch recreational programs

To apply for benefits, workers must qualify by having a valid New York Racing license and have worked for a trainer at least 180 days (with check stubs as proof). The employee must fill out the appropriate form, and the NYTHA Benevolence Committee will review it. If approved, NYTHA will contact the individual and provide a reimbursement check.

Click here for the benefits application form (PDF)

Click here for the meal subsidies application form (PDF)