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The ecumenical Race Track Chaplaincy crew at Saratoga helped Orlando Falcon, a backstretch worker, combat his drinking problem.

"They made me change," Mr. Falcon said. "They made my vision of life different."

After the Puerto Rico native immigrated to America, he spent years living in male dormitories on New York racetracks, away from his family. But this summer, Mr. Falcon rooms with his wife, two children and one stepchild in a cabin on Methodist campgrounds in Saratoga Springs.

The Falcons are one of about 15 families living there this summer; he is one of about 2,000 people who work with almost the same number of horses on the backstretch at the Saratoga Race Track.

Many backstretch workers - hot walkers, grooms and exercise riders - wake between 3:30 and 4:30 a.m. to feed the horses, clean barn stalls and ready saddles before passing the animals over to exercise riders. They earn minimum wage and work up to 16 hours a day, depending on orders by the 200 trainers who employ them.

Still, there is time for God on the backstretch, even if it's not on Sundays. Chaplains and workers at the Saratoga track say trainers there have never discriminated against the religious requests of workers - they are, after all, protected by state laws - but Sunday is an important racing day.

Workers who wish to attend Christian services often choose afternoon services in the Saratoga community, or they take advantage of a non-denominational service organized by the track chaplaincy during the week. More than 60 also attend a weekly on-track Bible study.

Catholics abound
The majority of the workers are Catholic, though not necessarily practicing, said Nick Caras, president of the New York division of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America.

Mr. Falcon, who doesn't follow a denomination, chooses the on-track resources. "Every time they invite me to hear a message from God," he said, "I hear it. They've been so good to me."

He works 12 hours a day. "We have to do it if we want to get forward," he explained, a wooden cross hanging around his neck on a long string of brown beads.

These days, workers are mostly Hispanic - especially Puerto Rican, Mexican and Peruvian - and mostly male. In their native countries, churches stand as far as 40 miles from their homes.

The backstretch workers say separation from families, long hours and legal problems involving working papers or visas can lead to depression and alcohol or drug abuse, so the intervention of volunteers from the chaplaincy and local churches is indispensable.

Being able to live on the campgrounds is a bonus. "If I could have that every year I come here, I'd have it," Mr. Falcon said.

Gus Rodriguez, a starting gate worker who lives with his family at the camp for the seven-week meet, agreed. "This is the best for the families who cannot afford to live in Saratoga," he said. "It's a blessing."

About four families live on the campgrounds during pre- and post-season, too. Add to that 1,000 workers living on the backstretch, and the chaplaincy's presence never wavers. Though there are many track charities, it is the only one on-call 24 hours a day.

"I can tell you firsthand that these two are a blessing," Mr. Rodriguez said, referring to Mr. Caras and the chaplain, Hum-berto Chavez. "They never close the door for anybody."

Mr. Rodriguez, a born-again Christian, cannot make it to church on Sundays; his wife, Martha, takes his three children to Spanish services at Living Waters Church of God in Saratoga on Sundays.

Mr. Rodriguez values the Monday night services on the backstretch and said he knows that others do, too.

"I've seen people come to Jesus because of them," he said. "It's important to shine the light of Jesus upon them so they can know the truth."

Pastors from local churches, including Northway Fellowship and Christ Episcopal Church in Ballston Spa, as well as New Life Fellowship and St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Saratoga Springs, visit to lead services.

About 30 workers have started to attend a weekly evening Rosary group at St. Clement's Catholic Church in Saratoga Springs. The chaplaincy helps transport them to the Sunday afternoon Lifeteen Mass.

Some workers also bike or drive to a biweekly Spanish Mass at St. Clement's. The other tracks in the New York circuit, Belmont and Aqueduct, are surrounded by larger Hispanic populations, so they have more Spanish service options, Mr. Caras noted.

Bernice McLellan, a parishioner at St. Clement's, is trying to arrange to send the parish van for workers interested in the Spanish Mass next season.

She also wants to offer her services as a midwife and gynecologist to female workers to fill in the gaps she said are left by the Backstretch Employee Service Team.

It is also becoming more common for organizations to help backstretch workers with practical needs. Many local summer camps accept workers' children for reduced prices covered by grants given to the chaplaincy.

Other aid
Local churches, including St. Clement's and St. Peter's, collect blankets and food, send volunteers to help spruce up the campgrounds and assist at movie nights and other recreational activities at the backstretch.

St. Clement's volunteers started a community garden at the backstretch using donated plants and fencing. The backstretch workers continue to care for it.

Many workers still pay rent for homes elsewhere or work at the track during the summer meet to save up to purchase homes in their countries. The 300 to 500 workers who stay in Saratoga from April to November need extra help.

The chaplaincy helps enroll the workers' children in school, transport people to doctors and teach them to read and speak English. They advise adults on financial aid, refer them to substance abuse counseling and provide them with needed clothing and food.

It's necessary to address these needs before ministering to them, Mr. Chavez explained: "We cannot service the soul without helping the individual with a crisis."



WORKCAMP: Youth meet workers, families

Last week, about a dozen middle schoolers from St. Clement's and St. Peter's WorkCamp, a three-day community service blitz by Saratoga Catholic youth based at the local Methodist campgrounds, got a chance to interact with backstretch workers from Saratoga Race Track and their children.

They served dinner two nights in a row for track workers and cleaned at the recreation center at the track's backstretch. Last year, WorkCamp youth raked gravel to solve drainage problems in the living areas.

In previous years, the youth were not allowed in the backstretch area, said Carol Boltzer, one of the camp's directors. "For us to be able to go there and do this," she said, "is amazing."

Being served dinner was a welcome break to the track workers. "The young girls were really into it. They wanted us to have fun," said Orlando Falcon, a worker.

The campers also set up a piñata for the workers' children: "It was real nice. They make us feel comfortable."

Emily Parrish, a peer leader at the WorkCamp, said she takes special interest in backstretch workers. "I don't think they really feel welcome in this town," Emily said.

She said she could tell the dinner guests appreciated the group playing with their children: "The little kids were so happy last night." (AC) [[In-content Ad]]

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