from Goshen Historic Track

Goshen, NY — Goshen Historic Track wrapped up its 2017 racing season Tuesday afternoon (July 4) with a 10-race card. For those who attended the races any of the four days they saw Kaitlin Jones lead the parade of horses each race with her trusty quarter horse Snoopy.

Ann Marie Daley photo

Snoopy enjoys some attention from adoring fans on Independence Day at Goshen.

Jones, a fourth-generation horsewoman, is a resident of Pine Bush, N.Y. and this was the first time she had been a parade marshall. Her ability to bring the horses on the track in order and her outstanding horse handling skills in case of trouble made the races run smooth as silk.

If that wasn’t enough, the biggest hit was Jones and Snoopy interacting with all the visitors at the track. From kids in strollers to grandparents, everyone wanted to pet or take pictures with Snoopy and Jones.

“We have come here for 12 years and this was the friendliest pony around, we didn’t own a horse racing but we got our picture taken.” said Stacy Moody of Middletown. “It made me feel so good putting a smile on some of the faces.”

Jones stated, “I really love horses and I thought Snoopy was a perfect fit, she was a rock star.”

Seeing all the kids petting Snoopy and yelling to their parents to run over and pet her added to the great old-style county fair atmosphere that is Goshen Historic Track. The racing as always was competitive and brought cheers but the smiles and happiness that Snoopy and Jones instilled probably will be everlasting to young and old alike.

Jones said “I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

Racing and track officials were absolutely delighted with all Jones did for the racing and the promotion of the track.

Presiding judge Ozzie Cole felt, “That girl looked like a seasoned pro out there. The fans loved her.”

Goshen is great racing and behind the scenes there’s always people like Jones making it run smooth and making fans smile