by Chris Tully, general manager, Goshen Historic Track

Goshen, NY — As Historic Track embarks on their 101st anniversary of Grand Circuit racing, they are 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.

Historic Track photo

Historic Track is poised to complete the construction of a new 19-stall “shed row” 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 that will benefit both our present and future tenants.

A membership drive is currently underway to help defray some of these cumbersome building costs. Those who are already members are asked to consider upgrading their membership level or buying a gift membership for a friend via this link.

This racing season also marks Goshen’s 50th year of matinee racing, allowing Historic Track to showcase “sport for sport’s sake.” In addition, the track’s status as a National Historic Landmark continues to attract tourists and visitors from all over the world.

Having been founded in 1838, Goshen Historic Track is the world’s oldest continuously operating harness racing facility. Most of the legends of harness racing have graced Historic Track with their presence. From Hambletonian and Greyhound to Deweycheatumnhowe, the historical roots of harness racing have been decisively planted in our soil.

Goshen Historic Track is an incorporated non-profit, therefore without the revenues of pari-mutuel wagering or VLTs, we rely on the generosity of those in the industry who appreciate the importance of our celebrated venue. The admission revenues we take 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 we share the same hallowed ground and a common mission, we are a financially separate entity from the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame.

Historic Track’s existence would not be possible without contributions from people throughout the industry. Membership plans start at just $35 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. Visit our website today by clicking on the following link.

Goshen Historic Track is located at 44 Park Place in the heart of the Cradle of the Trotter, Goshen, New York. Stalls are available at the year-round Standardbred training facility, which will host matinee racing on the first three Sundays in June (5, 12, and 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, trade shows, etc.

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 e-mail ChrisTully@GoshenHistoricTrack.com.