Race Track Chaplaincy of America Honors Butler, Walden

A hero is a person admired for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. There are heroes throughout the horse racing industry and the Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA) recognizes some of these selfless servants annually through the RTCA White Horse Award and the RTCA Community Service Award. Established in 2003, the White Horse Awards show appreciation to these individuals for acts of selflessness, bravery, and dedication.

This year’s honorees are as follows:

2024 RTCA Community Service Award

Elliott Walden, a prominent figure in thoroughbred racing, has received the 2024 RTCA Community Service Award. Known for his success as a thoroughbred trainer and CEO of WinStar Farm, it is Elliott’s dedication and commitment to service through the Race Track Chaplaincy that is being recognized through the RTCA Community Service Award. For over thirty years, Elliott Walden has been a vital contributor to the Race Track Chaplaincy, both locally and nationally. His dedication and leadership have not only expanded the chaplaincy’s impact, but also improved the lives of many in the horse racing industry.

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Elliott Walden at Keeneland

Elliott has served the Chaplaincy in numerous ways. As a member of the Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy Council, he was instrumental in establishing the first full-time Chaplain at Churchill Downs and helping to build a chapel on site, providing a space for worship and community events. As Council President of the New York Chaplaincy, Elliott led the development of several innovative programs, broadening the chaplaincy’s services to meet the spiritual, physical, emotional, social, and educational needs of those in the New York racing community. Elliott also served in other capacities on a national level, including as RTCA National President for six of the last seven years. Under his leadership, the chaplaincy’s ability to serve the horse racing industry has grown tremendously.

At this year’s RTCA Night of Faith, Hope & Love (held annually at the Breeders’ Cup World Championships), Elliott received the RTCA Community Service Award. The presentation featured touching tributes from Chaplain Humberto Chavez from New York, Chaplain John Shumaker from Turf Paradise and Arapahoe Park, RTCA Board Vice President Corey Johnsen and a special video message from Hall of Fame Jockey Pat Day.

2024 RTCA White Horse Award

The winner of this year’s White Horse Award is outrider Bo Butler. Bo’s quick actions were instrumental in preventing what could have been a far more severe situation.

During a race at Fonner Park on March 3rd, a series of events set off a chaotic chain reaction that affected several horses, jockeys, and outriders. The race began as anticipated, but soon turned perilous when horses clipped heels, causing a ripple effect on the track. Horses and jockeys were down, creating a tense and dangerous situation. To make matters worse, two of the horses began running counterclockwise, going against the flow of the race, which only added to the confusion and potential danger.

Amidst the unfolding chaos, outrider Bo Butler demonstrated remarkable skill and presence of mind. Butler swiftly pursued one of the wayward horses. As they neared the first turn, with several horses still racing at full speed towards him, Butler faced a daunting challenge. In a display of quick thinking and expert horsemanship, Butler guided the horse towards the outside rail, avoiding an even more catastrophic collision with the racing pack. Unfortunately, despite Butler’s efforts, his horse collided with another horse at full speed. The next thing Bo remembers was waking up in the hospital.

Bo Butler’s instincts, training and heroism highlight the critical role outriders play in maintaining safety on racetracks across the industry.

Chris Kotulak, CEO of Fonner Park, said, “The RTCA White Horse Award goes to someone who is considered a hero. Bo selflessly realized that he had to go out there and get that loose horse to save the other horses and riders that were bearing down on him. I’m sure he didn’t even give it a second thought. He knew what he had to do. That’s heroism. That’s valor and a heroic effort. And he deserves this award. We’ve got an RTCA White Horse Award recipient here at Fonner Park and that makes me very proud.”