The people who work and live around Nery Delcid, a backstretch worker for trainer Dale Romans at Churchill Downs, believe he likely saved human and horse lives when he reacted quickly to put out a fire that started one night in had been placed in the barn.
In accepting the Race Track Chaplaincy of America White Horse Award on November 1st at KeenelandDelcid thanked God for enabling him to take action. The award recognizes direct acts of heroism by individuals throughout the thoroughbred human or equine industry.
Romans noted that Delcid started working for him about three years ago and that he has always been a person who not only works day in and day out, but also constantly thinks about the people and horses he works with.
In a video shown at the ceremony, Delcid said he saw a woman with a lighter in the barn one night. He said when he went to investigate, he discovered she had already started a fire that had started in a stable, with flames reaching halfway up the walls. Delcid said his first thought went to the people sleeping in the barn that night, and then to the horses. For a split second he imagined the possible loss of life.
Then Delcid decided to act. He called 911 and contacted track security, then ran to a nearby faucet and filled a bucket with water. He ran back to the stable to put out the flames. His quick action eliminated the danger.
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In a video presentation, Romans said his mother told him he first visited that barn when he was 9 months venerable – the son of trainer Jerry Romans. Romans said losing that barn was like losing his home.
Shannon Kelly honored by the Jockey Club
Also on Tuesday, Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation Executive Director and Secretary Shannon Kelly was honored with the RTCA's Community Award. Humberto Chavez, Modern York RTCA chaplain, noted that in addition to ensuring that safety net funds are used to support people, Kelly is a hands-on person who can be seen preparing meals and helping people .
Shannon Kelly of the Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation receives the Community Award from RTCA Executive Director Dan Waits. Photo by Skip Dickstein
“I really didn’t expect this,” Kelly said over dinner Tuesday. “That’s not usually the case, but I’m really at a loss for words.”
Kelly said she is particularly proud of TJC Safety Net's support during the early COVID-19 years. She noted that these are challenging times, but that they have brought people and organizations together to assist those in need.
The awards were part of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America's Night of Faith, Hope, and Love leading up to the Breeders' Cup World Championships Nov. 4 and 5 at Keeneland. Several hundred people attended the celebration, which included prayers, music and an interview with Oscar Tshiebwe, an All-American basketball player from the University of Kentucky, who was joined by RTCA President Elliott Walden – President, CEO and Racing Director of WinStar Farm. talked about his faith and basketball.
