Striving to Rebuild the”Pride of Orange County”

GOSHEN – It is easy to overlook Goshen Historic Track when you drive through the center of Goshen on Main Street. Because it is hidden from view by office buildings, The Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame and a section of quaint 19th century offices known \”Lawyers\’ Row\”, the 14 acre National Historic Landmark is out of sight and out of mind to many people in the area. In fact, Goshen Historic Track is the oldest active harness racing track in the world. It is active every day. It rightly claims to be \”Where Harness Racing History is Made\”.

All year round, seven days a week, some of harness racing\’s finest Standardbreds train at the Track. \”These horses are Olympic athletes\” says Tim Masters. Track Supervisor. \”For one thing, their hooves are very sensitive to the slightest imperfections in the track\’s surface, effecting their speed and overall conditioning\”. Every day, Tim and his crews are out working to maintain the track. Weather conditions are always a concern. There can be absolutely no ice on the track. In 2012, when the 1/2 mile circuit was under water in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, part of the track had to be repaired so the horses could be out and running the very next day. Maintaining a safe and clean environment for the horses and trainers, inside the barns and out, is another daily responsibility that is not taken lightly.

On May 7th Goshen Historic Track will host its 2nd Annual Kentucky Derby Day, coinciding with the famous event held in Louisville, Kentucky every year. The fundraiser will help the track pay for maintenance expenses and go towards improvements in training facilities. There are always roofs to be fixed, heating systems to be repaired and, yes, even manure to be disposed of. Goshen Historic Track is a not-for-profit and is not a part of the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame. Its revenues come primarily from seven days of racing in the summer, stall rentals, memberships, fundraisers and private donations. Visitors are welcome.

Mornings or late afternoons are usually the best times to see magnificent trotters and pacers with names like Candle in the Wind and Moccasin Blue Chip training for the Grand Circuit. Some may go on to win the prestigious Hambletonian, harness racing\’s version of the Kentucky Derby. Deweycheatumnhowe did just that in 2011. He boarded and trained at the Track.

On Kentucky Derby Day, take in the action and share in the excitement streamed from Louisville, Kentucky. Watch the races on a monstrous television screen while enjoying the day\’s festivities! Wagering will be available at Delancey\’s Restaurant, adjacent to the Historic Track.

There will also be live music – featuring Dusty and Dave – great food, beer, wine, soda, a 50/50, displays and much more. The Ladies\’ Hat Contest, a Kentucky Derby tradition, is bound to be even bigger and better this year! 
All proceeds will keep the historic landmark trotting and pacing well into the next century!