Goshen, NY — The weather threatened but the storm held off as State Police Captain Jennifer Gottstine and trainer Carl Tirella guided their charge Meetyouatmidnight to victory in the inaugural First Responders race at Goshen Historic Track Sunday (June 16).

State Police Captain Jennifer Gottstine and trainer Carl Tirella guided their charge Meetyouatmidnight to victory in the inaugural First Responders race. Geri Schwarz photo.

Starting from the two position Jennifer and Carl fired right to the lead and never looked back, holding off a fast closing Northern Assassin A teamed with Sargent Station Commander Mike Beers and Mike Kimmelman. Holding on for third was EMT Joyce Foulkes and Chuck Connor Jr. steering Franny Love Dat.

Rounding out the field were Hatfield Hanover with Fire Police Christine Soto and Shane Darish, Acefortyfouramanda with Sargent Ryan Rich and Dustin Blumenfeld and Sir Bradford teamed with Fireman William J. Murray and Jake Huff.

Seven matinee races were held on this overcast day with the Chuck Connor Jr. trained and driven Chili Pepper, a 2-year-old filly by Heston Blue Chip out of Paper Cut, leading the way with the fastest mile of the day in 1:59.

Leaving from post three, Connor fired the filly to the front and led from start to finish, holding off the late challenge of American Chance and driver Ed Hart.

As part of a now Goshen tradition there was a change from the normal structure of racing in sulkies with the Racing Under Saddle girls holding their event. Akhenaton ridden by Hillary Hartnett led from start to finish to record the victory in 2:04.2.

Other winners on the card were The One The Only, a 4-year-old RC Royalty stallion in 2:05.2 with Harold Purdy; Bullville Terror, a 2-year-old Western Terror-Bullville Ana colt with Steve Crevani in 2:06; Mighty American N and Dustin Blumenfeld in 2:02.3; Hurrikane Kinglee with Brian Connor in 2:04.1; and Grand Theft with Ed Hart in 2:00.2.

Racing continues next week at the historic facility with Senior Day on Sunday (June 23).