Odilia Castillo, a 37-year-old woman from Chiapas, Mexico, has been working as a “hot walker” on Kentucky’s race tracks for seventeen years. Every morning, she wakes up at 3 a.m. to care for the horses, whom she says she has a special connection with. In 2021, she experienced stomach pain that prevented her from working, leading her to seek help at the Kentucky Racing Health Services Center. This clinic, founded in 2005, serves the “backside” workers in the racing industry, many of whom are migrants from Latin American countries and play a vital role in Kentucky’s annual racing economy.
Many of the backside workers are undocumented and do not have job protections, yet they are essential for maintaining the racing form of the horses participating in events like the Kentucky Derby. Some workers are hired through the H-2B temporary worker visa program, but the demand for labor often exceeds the number of visas issued. Caretaker William Jordan Blair highlights the challenges in finding steady workers due to the transient nature of the racing industry. Workers often move with the horses to different tracks throughout the year, with varying conditions at each location.
The constant movement and lack of job stability make it difficult for workers, especially those with families, to maintain steady employment. The average pay for backside workers in Kentucky is $13 per hour, though wages can differ across states. Nurse practitioner Krista Roach, who works at the clinic, emphasizes the struggles faced by workers who may not receive adequate medical care for various ailments due to fear of missing work. The clinic, funded by unclaimed racing tickets, provides essential healthcare services to workers, with a focus on creating a safe environment regardless of immigration status.
Nurse Dedra Hayden, the director of the center, prioritizes the health and well-being of the Latino workers on the racing circuit, without inquiring about their immigration status. Through dedicated healthcare professionals and administrators, the clinic ensures that workers receive the necessary services they require. Roach recounts stories of workers seeking basic medical care, such as toenail cutting, due to their demanding work conditions. The clinic has expanded its services to cater to female workers, offering OB-GYN examinations, cancer check-ups, and support for families and children.
For Odilia Castillo, seeking help at the clinic led to the diagnosis and treatment of her health issues, allowing her to return to work and care for the horses she deeply cares for. The clinic plays a crucial role in supporting the physical and mental well-being of backside workers in the racing industry, addressing the challenges they face in accessing healthcare and maintaining stable employment. Through its dedicated staff and resources, the Kentucky Racing Health Services Center strives to provide a safe and supportive environment for all workers, regardless of their background or status.
