by Chris Tully, general manager, Goshen Historic Track

Goshen, NY — Eric Taddeo’s trotter, High Liner, was one of the star’s of the 34th annual Mid-Hudson St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Goshen, N.Y.

The rambunctious gelding wowed the green-wearing revelers as he turned the corner on the Cradle of the Trotter’s Main Street. Despite a rain-soaked weekend, spectators crowded the historic streets of the colonial-era village to hear marching pipe and drum bands, bag-pipers from the ancient order of Hibernians, and to cheer for their favorite participants. Miraculously, the rain diminished down to a slight mist just as the parade stepped off at 2 p.m.

photo courtesy of Chris Tully

Eric Taddeo’s trotter stands proudly on Main Street.

Taddeo, whose trotter was the center of attention, works full-time as a New York City Fireman (FDNY) from Ladder No. 44 in the South Bronx. Between shifts, he trains a number of Standardbreds at Goshen Historic Track, and also finds time to work as a farrier. His partner, Jen Lowrey, DVM, is an equine veterinarian and administers pre-race lasix at Yonkers Raceway. Together, they own and operate Catamount Horse Farm in Warwick, N.Y., a beautiful 47-acre boarding and riding facility. Their equine interests were well represented in the parade as Eric drove his racehorse, and Jen rode her Dutch Warm Blood, a 17 hand chestnut named Sphinx.

Although somewhat unnerved by the large bass drums pounding, and fire truck air horns blasting directly behind them, both horses were a sight to see as they proudly trotted down the two-mile parade route following the Goshen Historic Track starting car.

As the day progressed, the horses became more relaxed, settling down to enjoy the journey through town. They made many kids smile and parents applaud, while making a big splash at the judge’s stand where the large crowd was clearly in awe of their size and spirit. Furthermore, the horses were a big hit for New York State Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt, the parade’s Grand Marshall, who is also a staunch supporter of harness racing at The National Historic Landmark.

Keeping a close watch on the individual horse’s activities was James Clouser, Jr. Having volunteered for the village-mandated scoop duty, the local trainer/driver was outfitted with a bright red, electric powered GEM car and bright green racing colors. Clouser smiled while the crowds cheered his efforts each time he was thrust into action, especially when forced to stop directly in front of the judge’s stand.

With thousands of on-lookers having fun in the tree-lined village of Goshen, many aspects of Standardbred racing were accounted for in the Cradle of the Trotter during Sunday’s parade. Especially the clean-up!