2026 RTCA White Horse Award Nominations Now Open

The Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA) is now accepting nominations for the 2026 RTCA White Horse Award, an annual honor that recognizes individuals in the horse racing industry who demonstrate extraordinary courage, compassion, and selflessness through their actions on behalf of humans or horses. Established in 2003, the RTCA White Horse Award celebrates both lifesaving heroics and quietly transformative acts of service that uplift the racing community. Whether through quick-thinking rescues, compassionate care during times of need, or constant dedication that embodies the best of the industry, recipients exemplify the noble spirit at the heart of horse racing. "Each year, we are inspired by stories of everyday heroes at racetracks and racing communities across the country," said Dan Waits, RTCA Executive Director. "The RTCA White Horse Award highlights the powerful impact that one person's—or one group's—bravery and kindness can have on co-workers, track communities, and the entire horse racing industry." Recent honorees include: 2025 WHA Winners: Chino Gudino, Luis Gudino, and Doug Adams 2024 WHA Winner: Bo Butler 2023 WHA Winner: David Pope Nominations are open to individuals who have performed a heroic or selfless act within the horse racing community in the past 12 months. RTCA welcomes submissions highlighting both headline-making rescues and less visible but equally meaningful acts of service. How to Nominate: Visit the RTCA website at www.rtcanational.org/events for complete rules, selection criteria, and the official nomination form. Nominations should include a detailed description of the act and its impact. Deadline to nominate: Friday, August 21st at Noon (EST). For more information, contact the RTCA National Service Center at (859) 410-7822 or email info@rtcanational.org. The RTCA White Horse Award will be presented at an in-person ceremony at the track or local location of the recipient. The 2026 RTCA White Horse Award video will be scheduled for premier at the RTCA Night of Faith, Hope & Love at Keeneland on Tuesday, October 27th. Past ceremonies and videos have highlighted powerful stories that strengthen the bonds within the local racing family and reinforce the values of service and humanity that exist throughout the horse racing industry.