Goshen Historic Track’s 171st Season of Harness Racing
Built in Goshen, in the year 1838, the Goshen Historic Track is the oldest trotting track in the world today, which is the reason for the region being nicknamed “The Cradle of the Trotter”. Its charm and heritage is seen in the old wooden outbuildings and the grandstand that was donated to the track in 1911 by Mrs. Mary Harriman. In 1979, the track was given over to Goshen Historic Track Inc, which is dedicated to the conservation of the history of the track, and its future. The National Park Service named the Goshen Historic Track a Registered Historic Landmark in 1966, and today, racing is still its main focus.
This year marks the 171st season of harness racing and the 98th year of Grand Circuit racing at Goshen Historic Track. Organizers have again put together a magnificent program for the season. As the sound of hooves fills the air at the Goshen Historic Track, in preparation for the coming harness racing events, the excitement for the opening day of racing starts to grow.
June, starts off with a few interactive matinee events, with the Matinee Racing and Youth Day being held on the 7th of June. Not only will there be horse racing, but it is a day that targets the youth and allows them to participate in activities such as a tour of the stables, watching a blacksmith at work and naming a foal. The 14 June Matinee Racing and Veterans Day honors all men and woman who are veterans from the army, navy, marines and air force. The Matinee Racing and Senior Day on the 21st will be accompanied by a very fun and creative Hat Competition.
Grand Circuit horse racing events start on the 2nd of July and run consecutively until the 6th of July. The New York Fair Stakes takes place on the 2nd, for two and three year old pacers and trotters. On the 3rd of July the two year old Landmark Stakes races take place, with the Landmark Stakes races for the three year olds, the Catskill Amateur Drivers Pace and the CKG Billings taking place on the 4th. On the 5th of July the New York Sire Stake races, three year old pacers and the Ladies Invitational Pace will he held. The New York Sire Stakes for three year old trotters and the Hall of Fame Trot will complete the Grand Circuit on the 6th of July. The Hall of Fame Banquet will be hosted at the Trotting Horse Museum that afternoon, and spectators are reminded of the annual Amy Bull Crist Luncheon, which takes place on 1 July 2008.
Visitors to the Goshen Historic Track will find that not only is the track itself a wonderful attraction, which is also used for concerts and exhibitions, but the museum next to the track is an attraction that showcases the history of harness racing and the Trotting Horse Hall of Fame. Filled with artwork, photographs and memorabilia, the museum forms a part of the heritage of the Goshen Historic Track and the entire Goshen region.
Punters and horse racing enthusiasts should definitely make a date with Goshen Historic Track this season.
