Backstretch Employee Service Team (B.E.S.T)

06/12/2026

💪 Our KRAV MAGA Personal Safety Program is officially underway!

During the first class, attendees learned practical self-defense techniques, situational awareness, and strategies for staying safe and confident in everyday situations.

A special thank you to instructor Mark of K2Strong for sharing his expertise and guiding backstretch workers through this hands-on training. We are also grateful to Saratoga Hospital for its support in making this opportunity possible.

We're looking forward to the next session!

06/10/2026

🏆 Belmont week Best Turned Out highlights!

We’re proud to celebrate the grooms who show up each day with dedication, care, and pride in their work.

June 3: Alberto (Trainer: Ray Handal)
June 4: Humberto (Trainer: Mark Casse)
June 5: Andreas (Trainer: Tom Morley)
June 6: Hermenegil (Trainer: Mark Casse)
June 7: Roberto (Trainer: David Duggan)

Thank you for your incredible work behind the scenes, and a special thank you to Adelphi for continuing to sponsor and support this meaningful recognition program.

06/08/2026

🏇 Thank you to everyone who stopped by Community Booth on Belmont Stakes Day! We loved meeting so many racing fans, sharing the mission of BEST, and seeing your support for the backstretch community. We appreciate each and every one of you.💙

We can’t wait to see you again on Travers Day at the Community Booth!

06/04/2026

🎉 Belmont Stakes Day is almost here, and so is the NEW BEST merch!

Stop by the Community Booth at Saratoga Race Course and check out BEST's exclusive apparel and merchandise. Whether you're looking for a new hat, shirt, or a way to show your support, we've got something for you.

🛍 Available Belmont Stakes Day
📍 Saratoga Race Course Community Booth
⏰ Gates open at 9:00 AM

Every purchase helps support the vital programs and services BEST provides to the hardworking backstretch community.

Get there early, grab your favorites, and wear your BEST swag all season long!

06/02/2026

🏇 The energy is building, the horses are training, and week has arrived!

While fans look forward to the excitement of race day, countless hours of dedication are happening behind the scenes every morning. The backstretch community works tirelessly to train, care for, and prepare these remarkable athletes for their moment in the spotlight.

We're honored to support the hardworking people who make it all possible!💙

06/02/2026

05/31/2026

🚲 Once again, BEST is thrilled to partner with Bikeatoga!

What a fantastic start to this meaningful collaboration. During their very first visit of the season, more than 20 bikes were repaired for members of the Saratoga backstretch community. Thanks to the incredible Bikeatoga mechanic volunteers, backstretch workers now have safe and reliable transportation to help keep them moving throughout the summer.

Thank you, Bikeatoga , for helping our backstretch community ride forward!💙

If you would like to donate a gently used, working bike to BEST, please reach out to [email protected] to arrange drop-off.

05/29/2026

🏇 Belmont Stakes is almost here, and BEST will be at the NYRA Community Booth!

Come say hi, meet the team, and learn more about how BEST supports the backstretch community.

We’ll also have this year’s limited Belmont BEST merch and goods available, plus more exciting things coming this summer!

We’d love to see you there!💙

05/26/2026

👨‍🎓👩‍🎓 A heartfelt thank you to Skidmore College for once again including BEST in the Give + Go program, and to our amazing volunteers who helped make it all possible!

Community partnerships like these are so important to our backstretch workers. The donated items go directly to the hardworking men and women who care for the horses each and every day, helping them feel supported, appreciated, and welcomed throughout the racing season.

We are incredibly grateful for Skidmore's generosity and for the volunteers who gave their time and energy to help sort, organize, and distribute donations. Together, you are making a real difference in the lives of our backstretch community. 💙

05/24/2026

💭 During Mental Health Awareness Month, and every month, BEST highlights the importance of mental well-being and provides essential support services for the NY backstretch community because mental health is health.

Caring for the people who care for the horses.💙