Dog Day Derby a Howling Good Time at GHT
Tuesday, August 31, 2010 - Chris Tully, General Manager, Goshen Historic Track
Goshen, NY – Tails were wagging and children were laughing as over 50 dogs competed in the inaugural Dog Day Derby at Goshen Historic Track on Sunday, August 29. Sponsored by the Windy Hollow Hunt Club, the event included dog races, jumping contests and a simulated bunny chase, along with prizes for the best dressed, owner look-alike, and cutest canines.
Over 200 spectators and participants spent the most of the sunny, summer day out on the homestretch of Goshen’s half-mile track in an effort to showcase their pets, have some fun, and meet other dog owners. The day began with an all-breed parade in front of the judges’ stand, where handlers paraded their respective pooches for all to admire. Kids and adults alike cheered for their favorite animals while pet owners entered their own charges into a wide variety of fun-filled, action-packed events.
One of the most exciting events was the dog race. This free-for-all dash featured a dozen or more racers that were lined up at the corner of the grandstand and sprinted “en-masse” about 200 feet to the finish wire. Family members or volunteers held the dogs at the start with the primary owners waiting anxiously while calling and cheering for their dogs at the finish line. Organized chaos followed immediately thereafter as the loose dogs were not always willing to be caught by their handlers, instead choosing to run loose and play with the other participants. A good time was had by all as some folks brought their dogs along just to watch the festivities and to socialize with other friendly dogs.
Another popular event, the jumping contest, was well attended and featured some of the most talented aerial maneuvering canines. As with the other contests, the dogs were split into three divisions based on height: less than 10”, 10” to 18” and over 18” inches. A horse-show jump was fashioned to accommodate the hurdlers and each successful attempt allowed advancement into the next, higher jumping round. Historic Track’s own resident canine, The Bandit, who gets plenty of exercise chasing Canadian Geese off the race track, finished in a three-way dead-heat for win in his jumping division.
Other contests, however, were judged not on speed or agility but by fashion. The best-dressed contest was won by Missy, a therapy dog owned by Frank Morgan, of Rosendale. Following the day’s events the Windy Hollow Hunt Club performed a hound trial demonstration around the entire racetrack with three “whips” on horseback and over a dozen hound dogs that were tracking and continued to follow a strategically placed scent.
Check out the live action on the YouTube!
The dedicated and hard-working volunteers of the Windy Hollow Hunt Club hope to make the Dog Day Derby an annual event.
Coming soon to the Cradle of the Trotter is the Beatles tribute band, Twist & Shout. The live show with Grandstand seating is slated for Sunday, September 12 at 2 p.m. Tickets are just $10.00. Goshen Historic Track, a year-round Harness Horse training facility is currently home to four 2010 season’s leaders, three that are this year’s fastest on a half-mile track, including: Jezzy 2,1:57.3--2:00.1h—’10 an undefeated 2-year-old trotting filly; Munis Blue Chip 3,1:56.1h—’10 ($410,362); Cassis, the Hambletonian elim. winner who broke Goshen’s all-age trotting track record in 1:55.4h; and World Champion Meadowlands Pace winner One More Laugh. Call 845-294-5333 for more information and stall availability.
Youth Camp Races at Goshen Won by Local Girls
Thursday, July 23, 2010 - Chris Tully, General Manager, Goshen Historic Track
Goshen, NY – Seven fledgling Harness Drivers competed in two exhibition races on Thursday at Goshen Historic Track. Presented by the Harness Racing Youth League, the 12- to 14-year-old youngsters raced one lap around the famed oval accompanied by seasoned drivers in two-seated jog carts. Parents, siblings, friends and members of the media cheered as the kids steered their trotting-bred pacers and trotters behind the mobile starting gate and rushed out to the lead.
Part of the Harness Horse Youth Foundation’s 2010 Summer Camps, the seven participants arrived at Historic Track on Sunday, July 18th and have spent five days immersed in the daily care of seven horses, learning about their equipment and the regular routine of barn chores. In addition, the participants are introduced to career opportunities, equine conformation, driving techniques and strategies, as well as many other facets of the horse industry. The camp also visited the Harness Racing Museum where the kids learned about the history of The Standardbred and rode in the popular simulator.
In preparation for Thursday’s races all of the campers schooled behind the starting gate on Wednesday (July 21) with the same horses that they drove in the exhibition races. The first race was won by Alexa Janosi who was assisted by D.R. Ackerman. Alexa, who hails from Wallkill, NY, started from the outer-most post-position and guided the 7-year-old trotting gelding, “Jandi’s Tuff As Sky” right to the front and never looked back to win the first division. A quiet gal, who quickly developed a strong horse-sense in the sulky, Alexa was all smiles in the winner’s circle and was happy to let her horse do the talking.
The second division was captured by Goshen resident Heather Perry, who was assisted by Ryan Miller, a 2001 HRYL alumni and Ray Schnittker stable assistant. Heather, a talkative lass with five family horses to care for at home, was uncharacteristically quiet in the winner’s circle. As camera shutters whizzed she stood silently behind her trusty steed, the 4-year-old pacing mare CD’s Miss M, admiring their collective accomplishment. Other racers were assisted behind the starting gate, and with driving tips, by Stephane Bouchard, Kimberly Asher, Larry Stalbaum, Ryan Macedonio and Jordan Stratton.
The camp, complete with all new participants, moves on to Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania next week and then heads to The Meadowlands for “the final” during the August 6 and 7.
For more information about the Harness Racing Youth League contact Ellen Taylor, executive director of HHYF, at (317) 867-5877 or check out the website: www.hhyf.org.
Stay With Us in 2011!
Last year was an eventful year at GHT. 2011 promises to be even more exciting!
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