Historic Track to replace 100-year-old barn
Goshen As Goshen Historic Track, at 44 Park Place, embarks on its 101st anniversary of grand circuit racing, it is also poised to complete the construction of a new 19-stall “shed row” barn to replace the 100-year-old structure that was recently razed on a lot adjacent to the BOCES barn. During 2010, the building site was excavated and a concrete foundation and retaining wall was poured. This process led to an extensive and unforeseen, but necessary drainage remediation project. This in turn led to a budget overrun and construction delays which, however, permanently solved a decades-long flooding problem. A membership drive is currently underway to help defray building costs (see sidebar). This racing season marks Goshen’s 50th year of matinee racing, allowing Historic Track to showcase “sport for sport’s sake.” The track’s status as a National Historic Landmark continues to attract tourists and visitors from all over the world. Founded in 1838, Goshen Historic Track is the world’s oldest continuously operating harness racing facility. Most of the legends of harness racing, from Hambletonian and Greyhound to Deweycheatumnhowe, have graced Historic Track with their presence. Upcoming events Stalls are available at the year-round Standardbred training facility, which will host matinee racing on the first three Sundays in June (5, 12, & 19). In addition, the World’s Oldest Harness Track will celebrate 101 years of Grand Circuit racing July 1 through July 4, in conjunction with Goshen’s Great American Weekend. The facility boasts a 2,000 seat grandstand and 20 acre infield which is available for special events, concerts, and trade shows.
Membership drive underway
Goshen Historic Track is an incorporated non-profit, therefore without the revenues of pari-mutuel wagering or video lottery terminals, it relies on the generosity of those who appreciate the importance of the celebrated venue. The admission revenues taken in from racing just seven days each year cannot begin to offset the stakes racing purse structure and the considerable expense of maintaining a year-round training facility. Although it shares the same hallowed ground and a common mission with the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame, Goshen Historic track is a financially separate entity.
Historic Track’s existence would not be possible without contributions. Membership plans start at $35.00 per family. All first-time and renewing members will receive a beautiful full-color bumper sticker depicting the start of the Hall of Fame Trot.
For further information about Historic Track, or to become a member of the National Historic Landmark, please call General Manager Chris Tully at 845-294-5333 during daily business hours, or email
ChrisTully@GoshenHistoricTrack.com