In the News ... "Ruidoso Downs' Chaplain Darrell Winter providing services where needed at track"

Photo by Matthrew Asher

• A Southern Baptist preacher, ordained by North American Mission Board, and Racetrack Chaplaincy of America

By Matthew Asher, Reporter/Photographer
• Special to the El Paso Times

RUIDOSO, NEW MEXICO - Isaias Enriquez sits in the sauna room with five other jockeys at the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack preparing for his next race.

He has researched his opponents, spoken with his trainer and has a plan for the race. But before Enriquez suits up and jumps on the 1,000-pound horse he'll jockey, he needs to calm his nerves.

The door to the sauna opens and he sees a familiar face in Chaplain Darrell Winter. The jockeys all stand up, bow their heads and allow Chaplain Winter to say a prayer asking God to protect the horses and the riders today. With his head cleared, Enriquez is now ready to race ...

• Read the rest of this EPT report ...