The Backstretch Employee Service Team, known as BEST, operates a free store at the Recreation Center of the Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs. The store supplies clothing, toiletries and bedding to backstretch employees at no charge, providing essential items that workers might otherwise need to purchase.
The service began in 2026 as a direct response to the everyday needs of the staff who tend to the horses and facilities on the race track. By offering these basic necessities without cost, BEST aims to ease the financial burden on employees who work long hours behind the scenes of the racing industry.
The free store is stocked through community contributions. Individuals and organizations are invited to donate items during a set window each day, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. These donations are accepted on site at the Recreation Center, where volunteers sort and organize the goods for distribution to eligible backstretch workers.
Eligibility for the store’s offerings is limited to those employed in backstretch roles at the Saratoga Race Course. The program does not require payment, and recipients can select items that meet their personal needs. The range of goods includes everyday apparel, personal hygiene products and bedding supplies such as blankets and sheets.
BEST’s effort reflects a broader focus on supporting the workforce that maintains the race course’s daily operations. By ensuring that basic necessities are readily available, the organization hopes to improve the quality of life for those who keep the horses healthy and the track running smoothly.
The free store remains open to donations each weekday, with the daily intake period providing a reliable schedule for contributors. As the season progresses, BEST expects continued community involvement to keep the shelves stocked and the service available to all backstretch employees who rely on it.