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

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.💙

05/21/2026

🍻 Thank you to everyone who joined us for Thoroughbredz: First Pour on the Patio and helped make the evening so special!

A special thank you to those who stopped by the BEST table to learn more about our mission and made a donation while taking home BEST merchandise. Your support helps us continue caring for the backstretch workers who care for the horses every day.

We’re also incredibly grateful to for hosting this event and creating a meaningful way to support the backstretch community.

Missed the event? The Thoroughbredz beer will be available all summer at all three DZ Restaurants locations, and a portion of every sale will be donated to BEST to support the health and well-being of backstretch workers.

Thank you for raising a glass and giving back.💙

05/16/2026

🏇 At the Track & Giving Back.

Gather your friends, family, or clients for a race day experience in The BEST Box, a premium Saratoga Race Course box with unbeatable views and a meaningful purpose.

When you reserve Box C4, you’re not just enjoying a day at the races; you’re directly supporting the backstretch workers who care for the horses every single day.

100% of proceeds benefit BEST and help provide:
• Primary healthcare
• Mental health support
• Essential social services

A memorable day at the track, with impact that goes far beyond the finish line.💙

🗓 Reserve your day at The BEST Box through the link in bio.

05/12/2026

💪 Prepared. Educated. Empowered.

BEST recently hosted Narcan training to help equip the backstretch community with the tools and confidence to respond in an emergency.

Every person trained is another person prepared to help save a life.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make our community safer, stronger, and more supported, including Mochi, who made a special appearance during the training!💙