A brief timeout from the more serious postings....
If you have not already made plans for a summer vacation, let me suggest a trip back to harness racing's roots. From July 1 through July 5 Goshen Historic Track is hosting the Grand Circuit. The five day meet provides the opportunity to step back in time and experience harness racing up close. From county fair racing, sire stakes or the Landmark Series, there is something for everyone. Granted, there is no wagering at Historic, but everyone has a fun time. Where else do fans get to walk around the track or in the stable area and fans cheer for horses that finish last? Post time is 1:00PM.
There is more than racing in Goshen that week. The Great American Weekend is held on July 4 and 5 right next to the track so there is a craft fair and rides if you wish to take a break. Also, visit the Harness Museum and Hall of Fame which is next door as well. With Hall of Fame Day on July 5, who knows who you will see at the track?
Racing finishes early these days so if you are looking for parimutuel action, there is racing at Monticello Raceway, Yonkers Raceway, and the Meadowlands. Monticello normally races during the day but on July 4th Monticello's card starts at 7:30pm to provide for their annual fireworks display.
Hate crowds (even though there is no betting, they still draw well)? If you are in the vicinity, there is matinee racing on June 6, 13 and 20 starting at 1:00PM. The racing is not as competitive and the crowds are substantially smaller, but you can still get the feel for old time harness racing and see the museum on these days.
Try it, you like it. It's an annual tradition in my family. It may become a tradition for yours as well.
1 comment:
Great idea for a thread Pacingguy. I have visited the HRHOF in Goshen while on vacation and had a wonderful time. Spent 3 or 4 hours there, taking pictures and using most of the interactive attractions including the simulated driver's point of view ride. It is a ride as you are jostled about, just like you are in a race. I hope it is still there. Calling an actual race at the Meadows was a blast also.
A couple of other vacation trips included the Red Mile, although the Quarters were running, and Bangor, Maine which was more fun than I could have imagined. A track historian gave us a private tour of the track and we met some officials. We were given the very interesting history of the whole complex filled with historical data.
I hope everybody has a chance to visit one or more of the many great places to visit if you love harness racing like I do.
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