Goshen Historic Track receives more than $25,000 in fire donations
September 15, 2017,from Goshen Historic Track
Goshen, NY — In response to the devastating fire at Goshen Historic Track on Aug. 23, the harness racing industry and local community have generously donated more than $25,000 to the National Historic Landmark.
Chris Tully photo
John Campbell won his final U.S. race while passing in front of the iconic BOCES barn at Goshen Historic Track.
The board of directors of Goshen Historic Track are pleased to announce that nearly 100 individuals and organizations have already contributed to the rebuilding effort, with more cash and checks rolling in almost daily.
Track President Steve Jones noted, “The outpouring of generosity has been overwhelming. We are collectively grateful for the recognition that the sport places in our institution and equally moved that people have stepped up financially. We truly appreciate each and every donation.”
The United States Harness Writers Association led the way with a $5,000 donation. The Standardbred Owners Association of New York and the National Philanthropic Trust were both a close second with checks for $2,500 each.
In addition, Steve Arnold, A. S. Field, Paul Kelley Racing Stable, North American Gentlemen Drivers Assoc., LAN Associates, the Monticello Harness Horsemen’s Assoc., Goldstein, Lieberman & Company LLC and Jan Johnson (Continental Stables) each donated $1,000.
There were $500 donations received from Barbara George, Ada Jean Ackerman, Darke County (OH) Harness Horsemen, and Marion Jean Wellwood, along with many for $250, $100, $50 and $25.
Although the blacksmith shop and one of the historic stables was a total loss, the facility and its supporters are resilient, with horses still stabled at the training center back on the track the following morning.
Goshen Historic Track has been hosting Standardbreds since 1838 and is the oldest active harness racing track in the world. Donations will go toward rebuilding and preserving the National Historic Landmark and keeping the tradition of harness racing alive.
For additional information, or to make a donation, please call 845.294.5333; email info@GoshenHistoricTrack.com, or send a check to Goshen Historic Track, 44 Park Place, Goshen, NY 10924.
- Fire at Goshen Historic Track under control (Thursday, August 24, 2017)
The Middletown (NY) Times Herald-Record is reporting that a fire that broke out in a sprawling barn near the grandstand at the Historic Track on Wednesday evening (Aug. 23) drew 75 firefighters from 16 companies, and workers at the track led 10 horses to safety as the flames spread.
- Donations requested to aid Goshen Historic Track and horsemen (Thursday, August 24, 2017)
A tragic fire on Wednesday (Aug. 23) was a complete loss for several of the barns and stables at Goshen Historic Track, a National Historic Landmark.
- Statement from Goshen Historic Track President Steve Jones regarding fire (Thursday, August 24, 2017)
There was a fire at Goshen Historic Track at approximately 6:15 p.m. Wednesday (Aug. 23). The blacksmith shop, a row of stalls and most of the BOCES barn were destroyed.