from the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame

Goshen, NY — High wheel sulkies went the way of the Dodo Bird in 1892, making way for the smaller, more efficient and safer smaller-wheeled bicycle sulky. However, after Saturday’s Firemen’s Parade in downtown Goshen, New York, it appeared to onlookers that this cumbersome-looking vehicle may be making a comeback, or was it the ghost of drivers past?

Harness Racing Museum photo

Masters Light, Kelly Ford and George Casale acknowlege the crowd at Goshen’s Firemen’s Parade.

Amateur driver George Casale, of the Brooklyn Cowboy Stable, driving Masters Light, a 7-year-old Standardbred who had raced the previous night at Pocono Downs for the Mark Ford Stable, proudly trundled down Goshen’s Main Street, following in the hoof prints of the stars of the racetrack, the farmers and the swells of a century or more ago; George wearing the old-style driving jacket, doffing his cap and waving to onlookers and Masters Light basking in the limelight — it was better than the Winner’s Circle!

They were followed by amateur driver Gerry Fielding of the Snowflake Stable, driving Up Front Todd, a never-raced but impeccably behaved 2-year-old. They were turned out in modern-style with the latest in race bikes, the quick hitch, and the safety helmet.

Completing the entourage were marshals Kelly Ford and John Capriotti of the Mark Ford Stable and banners identifying the Museum and the Horse Adoption Fair on October 17 which were carried by Museum docents Jenah George and Leah Freeman.

Bringing up the rear (aptly) was Hall of Fame Harry (volunteer Ryan Ulrich) who, with his docent friend and guide (because he couldn’t see where he was going) Cassie Graves, freely dispensed candies to everyone!

“Harness Racing Then & Now,” The Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame’s parade entry, was a major crowd pleaser and obviously drew a nod from the parade judges who presented leader George Casale with a parade trophy.

Come to Goshen, the land of the Standardbred and The Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame for fun and excitement! The Museum is located at 240 Main Street in Goshen, New York and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last tour 4:00 p.m.) Thanks to US Trotting Association support the Museum is currently offering free admission for walk-in visitors and $4.00/person for group docent-guided tours. For information on the Museum, special events, gift shop services and educational programs the Museum offers, please call 845.294.6330 or visit www.harnessmuseum.com.