The cornerstone of every racetrack is composed of countless individuals who care for the horse’s well-being. The California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation (CTHF) is there to care for the well-being of those individuals.

Incorporated in 1984, the CTHF is a non-profit organization that provides medical, dental, optometry, and referral services to the backstretch communities (and their families) in California. With clinics on-site at Santa Anita Park and Los Alamitos staffed with a doctor, dentists, medical and dental assistants, receptionists, eligibility specialists and administrative professionals, the CTHF is uniquely positioned to serve. In 2024, the CTHF had 2,767 dental visits, 1,747 medical visits, 152 optometry visits, and referred patients out for 464 specialty services. The CTHF medical team makes regular visits to San Luis Rey Downs in San Diego County and comprehensive health services are provided to the backstretch community in Pleasanton through a relationship with Axis Community Health, a federally qualified health center.

“Our team stays busy with the medical and dental services,” said Executive Director, Jordyn Egan, “but we are always looking for ways to improve the overall quality of life on the backstretch. One example of that is our partnerships with Del Mar and Santa Anita Park to provide complimentary meals on a regular basis. The intent is more than providing food, it is about building community, one meal at a time.” The CTHF also works closely with the other backstretch service organizations in California (Chaplaincy, Winners Foundation, Edwin J Gregson Foundation) to address the needs of individuals on the backstretch as they arise. “There isn’t a lot that we can’t figure out if we are working together, it is very important that all of the service organizations are pulling in the same direction on behalf of this community.”

There is a lot ahead for the CTHF team in 2025 including the launch of a comprehensive diabetes education program. “One of our board members, Dr. James Dunn, introduced us to the Sansum Diabetes Research Institute in Santa Barbara which conducts a diabetes education program called Ocho Pasos (8 Steps); once we learned about their program, it was a no-brainer,” said Egan. The sessions are held in Spanish and led by Community Health Workers that have experience connecting communities with resources to improve health outcomes around diabetes. Participants will gather at the Santa Anita CTHF clinic for the 8 sessions and receive resources (meals, snacks, support) throughout the program to maximize their opportunities for success. “We don’t want this to be a one off, we’re excited for what the pilot program may lead to,” said Egan.

The dedicated CTHF staff who make it all possible are honored to provide services that support the exceptional individuals that take care of the horses. The best way to keep up with the CTHF’s activities and support the organization is to subscribe to their email list and follow them on social media @cthf_cares. More information is also available at www.chtfcares.org.

The California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation (CTHF) is happy to announce a partnership with Axis Community Health, located in Pleasanton, after the June 19 closure of the clinic at Golden Gate Fields. Eligible backstretch workers will be referred to Axis Community Health for medical and dental services (amongst others they offer) and receive the same level of support from CTHF that they have in the past.

The CTHF and Axis Community Health teams are working to ensure continuity of care during this transitional time. The commitment to this was demonstrated by a joint enrollment fair held at the racetrack in Pleasanton on June 27 which was attended by over 60 backstretch employees. A similar fair will take place in the autumn after the fair season is complete. Contact the CTHF with questions or a referral to Axis Community Health – (626) 446-1069.

CTHF Hosts Health Fair at Golden Gate Fields

January 19, 2024

The CTHF hosted a health fair at Golden Gate Fields on January 17, 2024. The 75 backstretch workers who attended received a medical screening and had the opportunity to discuss the results with CTHF physician, Dr. Natasha Phan. Attendees also received a free health kit and lunch.

The event at Golden Gate Fields followed a successful health fair at Santa Anita Park in October 2023. These health fairs are opportunities for the CTHF staff to screen for major medical issues, make appointments for medical and dental visits, and interact with the backstretch community. We look forward to hosting them at facilities across California throughout the year.

CTHF Names New Executive Director

November 2023

The California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation, Inc. (“CTHF”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jordyn Egan as Executive Director, effective December 1, 2023.  She will succeed Cliff Goodrich who is retiring after leading the foundation for the past eight years.

A native of Fallbrook, California, Jordyn’s background includes graduation from the University of Arizona Racetrack Industry Program and the Godolphin Flying Start Program.  She then worked for the Maryland Horse Breeders Association and, most recently, the Thoroughbred Owners of California, as Executive Director.

Most importantly, Jordyn has demonstrated a knowledge and appreciation of the backstretch workers that is CTHF’s Mission to serve.  We look forward to her leading the organization to continue our efforts to improve the quality of their lives.