New Maryland backstretch pantry to open
Grand opening is Oct. 27
Press Release
October 23, 2026
The Race Track Chaplaincy of Maryland (RTCMD) is pleased to announce the grand opening of its new backstretch pantry at Laurel Park on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Located in Barn 23, the pantry will provide fresh food, groceries, and other essential items to members of Maryland’s horse racing community.
The Maryland Jockey Club (MJC) has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to life, generously providing and renovating dedicated space at Laurel Park to house the pantry. The Chaplaincy extends special appreciation to Bill Knauf and the MJC team for their support and commitment to the backstretch community.
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The initiative has been spearheaded by Chaplain Ron Singh, who has worked closely with Love Wins, a ministry of Severn Run Church, and the Laurel Multi-Service Center to establish ongoing partnerships that will keep the pantry supplied with fresh food and other necessities.
The new pantry represents a collaborative effort to strengthen the well-being of the backstretch community. By providing convenient access to supplemental food resources, the Chaplaincy and its community partners hope to offer meaningful assistance to the individuals and families whose daily work is essential to Maryland’s horse racing industry.
“Our backstretch workers are the heart of Maryland racing, and we want them to know that they are valued and supported,” Singh said. “This pantry is about more than providing food. It’s about bringing people together, caring for one another, and making sure our racing community knows that we’re here for them.”
The grand opening celebration will include remarks by Chaplain Ron Singh and RTCMD President Hugh McMahon, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a complimentary lunch catered by Lucy. The luncheon is generously sponsored by the Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation.
All members of the Laurel Park backstretch community are warmly invited to attend.
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