from the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame

Goshen, NY — Partake of a delicious buffet lunch with delightful speakers at the Harness Racing Museum and discover all the hidden historical treasures this county has to offer. Bring your friends on Monday (Nov. 7) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., share in a scrumptious meal and learn something new as Dr. Alan Eckard treats us with his engaging conversation about how Hambletonian, the foundation sire of the American Standardbred breed of horse, became the pride of Chester.

Tickets are $18 for museum members and $20 for non-members and include a buffet lunch with beverages and dessert. The museum is located at 240 Main Street, Goshen, NY 10924. Reservations are strongly suggested by calling 845.294.6330.

After enjoying lunch, Dr. Eckard will share with guests a presentation that will reveal the true story of how, in the spring of 1849, a local farmhand, William Rysdyk, noticed something unique about a little colt born in a field at the Jonas Seely farm in Sugar Loaf and purchased him for $125. How Rysdyk went on to make his fortune from this horse he named Hambletonian and how he became an important figure in the sport of harness racing is a terrific tale and a wonderful chapter in Orange County’s rich history.

A photo presentation is included in this talk, featuring the places where Hambletonian’s story unfolded. Dr. Eckard’s wife Rosemary is the innkeeper at the Hambletonian Bed & Breakfast in Chester, the original home of William Rysdyk and where the couple now lives.

For further information about the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, the museum’s educational workshops or children’s birthday parties, please contact the Education Department at 845.294.6330 or e-mail education@harnessmuseum.com. Thanks to USTA support, the Museum is currently offering free admission for walk-in visitors and $4.00/person for group docent-guided tours. For information on all the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame special events or gift shop services, please visit our website at www.harnessmuseum.com.