RTCA’s White Horse Award is given annually to a racing related horse person judged to have performed the most heroic act on behalf of human or horse. It is presented at the White Horse Heroes Luncheon, held at the host track of the Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships, two days before the year-end series of championship events. 

The White Horse Fellowship, which elects the winner, is composed of individual and corporation partners who rank among the industry’s best-known leaders. They value the contribution our unheralded workers make to the racing industry and are concerned citizens and proactive residents of racing’s global backstretch village.

 Each believes in the RTCA’s mission to provide for their spiritual, emotional, physical, social and educational needs and have decided to take a leadership roll in not only honoring those workers, but providing direct assistance.

The White Horse Award winner receives a $5,000 cash prize, a limited-edition, white bronze statue by noted sculptress Lisa Perry and other donated gifts and prizes. The three runners-up receive $1,000 each and the final four nominees earn an all-expense paid trip to the Breeders’ Cup races.

 “I think the award is a wonderful idea,” said Mr. D.G. Van Clief Jr., President of Breeders’ Cup Ltd. and Vice Chairman of the NTRA. “I think it will become a point of pride for a group of unsung heroes who live and work in racing 24-hours a day, seven days a week.” 

“You’re doing a wonderful thing,” said Laura Hillenbrand, author of Seabiscuit, An American Legend, “I love the idea of the White Horse Award. It is much needed and long overdue.”