by Ellen Harvey, Harness Racing Communications

Freehold, NJ — “The Red Man,” Carmine Abbatiello, will be an added starter in the Hall of Fame drivers race at Goshen Historic Track in the annual $10,000 Mr. and Mrs. Elbridge Gerry Memorial Trot, to be held Sunday (July 5). Post time is 1 p.m.

USTA photo

Carmine Abbatiello

Abbatiello went directly from high school into harness racing as an apprentice to older brother Anthony, who is also a Hall of Fame member.

He was the driving champion for six straight years (1978-83) at Yonkers Raceway. Abbatiello won driving titles at the Meadowlands, Freehold, Monticello, Roosevelt Raceway and Yonkers. His lifetime earnings exceed $50 million. In the 17-year stretch from 1968-84, he won 200 or more races 15 times.

The slate for Sunday’s race brings together a “Who’s Who” of harness racing talent. John Campbell, David Miller, Bill O’Donnell, Dick Stillings, Jimmy Takter, Ron Waples, Wally Hennessey and top amateur Steve Oldford will all compete that day.

Collectively, the confirmed participants have won 13 Little Brown Jugs and 11 Hambletonians as trainers or drivers, along with nearly 60,000 races and $925 million in purse earnings.

The race honors the memory of Mr. and Mrs. Elbridge Gerry; their sons Elbridge and Peter will be on hand to present the trophy. After the race, the drivers will meet fans and autograph photos.

Goshen Historic Track is located at 44 Park Place in Goshen; admission is $5 for adults (includes program) and children are free. For more information, go to www.goshenhistorictrack.com or call 845.294.5333. The hashtag for this year’s events is #harnessgoshen.