The New York Race Track Chaplaincy announced today that it will honor Andy Serling, New York Racing Association television analyst and handicapper, for his generous and continued devotion to the backstretch community at its 15th annual fund-raising brunch scheduled to be held on Aug. 17, 2022, at Saratoga National Golf Club in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
"At every opportunity, Andy goes out of his way to recognize and advocate for the members of the backstretch community and he richly deserves this honor," said Humberto Chavez, the lead chaplain and executive director for the New York Chaplaincy.
Serling has been offering his handicapping insights on the NYRA circuit as a member of the broadcast team since 2008. The Manhattan resident is a senior racing analyst on America's Day at the Races, which presents coverage of NYRA racing on the networks of FOX Sports, and as the host of NYRA's daily handicapping show Talking Horses. Serling also hosts the Across the Board podcast, launched in April 2017.
Prior to working in the racing industry, Serling traded options on the floor of the American Stock Exchange when he wasn't spending his days at the track.
"I love this sport and with each passing day, I have a deeper appreciation for the commitment and dedication of backstretch workers," Serling said. "The New York Race Track Chaplaincy does incredible work for our community and I'm humbled to be honored in this way."
Previous honorees of the New York Chaplaincy have included Anne Campbell, Edgar Prado, Michael Dubb, Fay and David Donk, Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson, Letty and Kiaran McLaughlin, Lisa and Kenny Troutt, Debbie and Terry Finley, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, and, last year, Irad Ortiz Jr.
The honoree is presented with a print by equine artist Tom Chapman at the brunch, which typically draws approximately 200 supporters of the New York Race Track Chaplaincy.
The New York Race Track Chaplaincy serves the New York backstretch and farming community with children's enrichment, social service, recreational, and educational programming as well as non-denominational religious services.
