– Nancy Kelly, devoted supporter of racing charities, passes away at 71
– Remembering Nancy Kelly: a dedicated advocate for racing charities, gone too soon.
Remembering Nancy Kelly: A Passionate Advocate for Thoroughbred Industry
In a sad turn of events, Nancy Kelly, a beloved figure in the Thoroughbred industry, has passed away at the age of 71. Nancy dedicated her 32-year career at The Jockey Club to raising funds for equine research and supporting individuals in need. She battled ovarian cancer since February 2019, a year after her retirement.
A Life Devoted to Fundraising and Organizing Racing Events
As the vice president of development for Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and the executive director of The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation, Nancy Kelly was instrumental in organizing numerous fundraising events. From golf tournaments and luncheons to grand gala dinners, she left no stone unturned in her efforts to support the industry.
Nancy’s contributions extended beyond national borders, as she managed both domestic and international racing meetings. Notable among these were The Jockey Club’s annual Round Table Conference on Matters Pertaining to Racing and multiple editions of the Pan Am Conference in New York.
A Cherished Colleague and Friend
Nancy’s career at The Jockey Club began in 1985 when she was recruited by chairman Dinny Phipps. Over the years, she forged countless friendships within the Thoroughbred industry and earned the respect and admiration of all who knew her. Stuart Janney, the chairperson of The Jockey Club, fondly remembers Nancy as the face of the organization and a truly exceptional representative.
A Deep Connection with the Backstretch Community
As a native of New Hyde Park, N.Y., and a resident of Westbury, N.Y., Nancy Kelly had a profound appreciation for the backstretch community. She actively volunteered for various Belmont Park-based organizations, including the Belmont Child Care Association and the New York Race Track Chaplaincy.
Although Nancy retired from The Jockey Club in 2017, she continued to serve as a board member and vice president of the chaplaincy. Her commitment to helping others and her humanitarian spirit made a lasting impact on the racetrack chaplains across the country.
A Life Recognized and Honored
Despite her preference for staying out of the limelight, Nancy Kelly received numerous accolades for her exceptional service to the industry and nearby communities. She was awarded the Race Track Chaplaincy of America’s prestigious Award of Excellence, the Jockeys’ Guild’s Eddie Arcaro Award, and the New York Turf Writers Association’s Red Smith Good Guy Award.
A Lasting Legacy
Nancy is survived by her sister Fran Dtugokenski, brother-in-law Ray Dtugokenski, nieces Lisa Locurto and Michelle Mirabile, four grandnieces, and two grandnephews. Her late husband, Jack Kelly, who fought a long battle with polycythemia, preceded her in death in November 2010.
A wake will be held on Monday at the Leo F. Kearns Funeral Home, followed by a Mass at St. Brigid Catholic Church. In memory of Nancy Kelly, the family requests donations to be made to The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation, the New York Race Track Chaplaincy, or the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.
Donations in Nancy Kelly’s name can be made through the respective organization’s websites or by sending a check payable to the designated address. The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation can be reached at tjcfoundation.org or 250 Park Avenue, Suite 2020, New York, N.Y. 10177. The New York Racetrack Chaplaincy can be contacted at rtcany.org or P.O. Box 37191, Elmont, N.Y. 11003. Donations to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center can be made at giving.mskcc.org or P.O. Box 27106, New York, N.Y. 10087.
Nancy Kelly’s legacy will forever be remembered for her unwavering dedication to the Thoroughbred industry and her immense compassion for those in need. She leaves behind a void that will be difficult to fill, but her impact will continue to inspire and guide future generations.
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– Nancy Kelly, longtime friend of racing charities, dies at 71
– Racing charities mourn the loss of Nancy Kelly, a dedicated supporter.
