by John Manzi, for Goshen Historic Track

Goshen, NY — While American Pharoah was rallying for a Kentucky Derby win, party goers at Goshen Historic Track’s first annual Derby Day celebrated the two historic tracks.

Historic Track photo

John Manzi is surrounded by the winners in the Historic Track Derby Day Hat Contest. Left to right are third place finisher Lisa Thorne, second place finisher Kathy Statuto and first place finisher Maryann Genovese.

More than 100 people from all walks of life watched the Kentucky Derby on big-screen TVs that were set-up trackside while enjoying great food and beautiful weather. There was also a live band, a chance to wager at the OTB facility which is adjacent to Historic Track and lots of ladies’ hats!

One of the worst winters in recent memory put a lot of stress on the track’s facilities. General Manager Tim Masters came up with the idea of the fundraiser in order to ready the track for the upcoming racing season and to draw attention to the historic landmark’s not-for-profit status.

Realizing the track’s fullest potential is an objective he shares with all of the Board members and staffers at Goshen Historic Track. Together, and with local businesses and organizations, they pulled together a truly memorable event that will probably become an annual tradition at the track.

And they raised needed funds for the track’s coffers.