LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky Derby 150 is quickly approaching. While the horses receive most of the attention, the behind-the-scenes workers are often considered the "backbone" of the Derby, and many are immigrants, particularly from Latin America.
Henry Lima is a foreman for trainer Norm Casse, who has several tasks to ensure that things run smoothly.
“It’s like a second hands for the assistant trainer,” Lima said.
He is originally from Guatemala and has been in the U.S. for about 16 years. He has worked in the horse racing industry that entire time.
“I like it, and I have been here for a while,” Lima said. “The other reason is, you can save money. That’s the main reason we came to this country, to save money and help our families ... because we live inside this property, I mean, we don’t pay rent.”
About 1,000 people work on the backside, and 80% are immigrants. Most are from Latin America.
“A lot of people just come from really difficult situations, where they’re coming from rural areas of really poverty-stricken situations and they’re just in search of a better life here in the states and are really the heart and backbone of this industry,” said Sherry Stanley, executive director of the Backside Learning Center.
The center is a nonprofit that is based on the grounds of Churchill Downs. Workers can take English classes, get help with filling out paperwork, get their children in the nonprofit’s after-school program and more.
“Our focus is really providing support and programming to the entire community here of backside workers and their families,” Stanley said.
Lima learned English from going to the classes offered by the center.
“I love this place," Lima said. "The learning center is a second home."
The center is celebrating its 20th anniversary and is in the initial stages of possibly purchasing an off-site facility.