Backstretch Appreciation Day: All You Can Eat and a Wheelbarrow Full of Cash Prizes

The unsung heros of our industry are undoubtedly the men and women who work tirelessly to provide the hands-on care and attention our equine athletes demand. In our continuing efforts to recognize and reward these individuals, the MTHA will hold it’s annual Backstretch Appreciation Day on September 19th from 1 p.m. unitl 4 p.m. at Laurel Park. This year’s celebration will be one that you won’t want to miss because, for the first time ever, we will be giving away $5,000 in cash and other door prizes. There will be (8) $500 cash winners and (1) grand prize of $1,000.

This year’s festivities will be held place in a new location, as the Maryland Jockey Club has offered us the use of it’s newly erected tent on the apron of the grandstand. This should provide attendees with a cool, shady environment to enjoy the food, games, and other activities on tap for the celebration.

In addition to all that cash, our backstretch workers will be provided with All-You-Can-Eat BBQ Chicken, Pit Beef, Ham, a bountiful array of salads and sides, as well as non-alcoholic beverages to keep everyone cool and hydrated. The event will be catered by Russell Clark Catering and there will be a DJ provided by Carlyle Entertainment so attendees can dance off any desserts in which they decide to indulge.

The MTHA understands that early mornings and demanding schedules can be a strain not only on employees, but their families as well. So it goes without saying that the families of backstretch workers are wholeheartedly invited to take part in the food and festivities provided at Appreciation Day. There will be horseshoes, corhole, and other games available for children and adults alike. In addition, we would like to offer an invitation to MJC employees who work hard to maintain the facilities and keep operations running smoothly at Laurel and Pimlico.

This year a big thanks goes out to the Maryland Jockey Club who provided not only the new venue for our celebration, but also the $5,000 cash door prizes. As the MTHA and the MJC look to continue our partnership in making Maryland racing the best it can be, Backstretch Appreciation Day is a fun and rewarding reminder of those who keep our horses healthy and running day in and day out. They are the heart of our industry and as such, we hope to see everyone out at Laurel Park on September 19th from 1PM-4PM to join us in celebration of our backstretch workers.