A hero is someone who is admired for his courage, outstanding achievements, and noble qualities. There are heroes in the horse racing industry, and the Race Chaplaincy Organization of America (RTCA) recognizes these selfless servicemen every year through the RTCA White Horse Awards. This year’s nominees are as follows:
Marshall Allen—Emerald Downs, Julie Berry — Blue Grass Farms Charity, Jonathan Estrada—Belmont Park, Nick Garafola and Veronica Gallardo — Belmont Park, Sebastian “Bas” Nichols—Ellis . Park, and Marvin Navas Prado — Ellis Park.
This year’s RTCA White Horse Award winner is Marshall Allen, who saved the life of a longtime owner at the Emerald Downs.
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On the morning of May 9, assistant trainer Marshall Allen was in the stables going for a ride when he observed a man collapsing as he was walking beside the stables. Without hesitation, Marshall dropped what he had in hand and rushed to the scene. The victim was longtime owner Jim Foulkes, a frequent visitor to the barn area. Marshall noticed the man’s color turned blue and began performing CPR. The Emergency Medical Technicians eventually arrived on the scene and took over; When Foulkes’ heart rate went out, they brought an external defibrillator and urgently asked if anyone had cut Foulkes’ shirt with a knife. Once again, Marshall Allen acted quickly and pulled a knife from his pocket. Once Foulkes was stable, he was taken to the hospital. The prognosis at the time seemed bleak, but later in the day, they learned that Foulkes was on a ventilator in a medically induced coma and “hanging there.” Prayers requesting the circulation of the barn area and sent to RTCA National.
On May 13, it was received that Jim Foulkes was off the ventilator, breathing on his own and making stable progress to recover. On July 1, he was in the barn area and visited Stenslie’s cage to thank the man whose quick action had saved his life. MaryAnn O’Connell, Executive Director, Washington HBPA, said it was “a goosebumps moment”. “Marshall is the perfect person to perform such an act of selflessness, putting himself aside.”
To see Marshall’s story, click here: Winner of the RTCA White Horse Award 2021. Due to Covid-19, the traditional White Horse Awards ceremony could not take place. Consequently, Marshall and other WHA nominees will be recognized by RTCA Chaplains and representatives at their respective locations.
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