When the Monticello-Goshen chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association held its annual meeting on Sunday, April 22, it was confirmed by the officers that the chapter would host a Motorcycle Poker Run to benefit Goshen Historic Track and the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 26.
Newly elected chapter vice president/secretary, Janet Terhune noted, “We are thrilled to host this exciting inaugural event, the Iron Horse Poker Run, which will bring well over 100 new visitors to the museum and introduce them to harness racing.”
The Harness Racing Museum has agreed to be the start and finish venue for the ride, a 70-mile loop with three additional checkpoints located throughout Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties.
Terhune, the museum’s director, continued, “We will serve the participants lunch in beautiful Haughton Hall during the event registration, and welcome them back for prizes, raffles and additional refreshments following the run. This is a great opportunity to reach out to a relatively untapped demographic that enjoy taking part in benefit activities.”
Shawn Wiles, the chapter’s vice president/treasurer agreed. “Once this event becomes popular, it will grow into a great kick-off for the Goshen Historic Track season, with matinee racing beginning the following weekend.”
In other business, longtime chapter leader John Manzi was elevated to the office of Chairman of the Board, stating, “We work hard to raise money for the Hall of Fame and the (Historic) Track. This year certainly illustrates our commitment …it’s our 60th annual awards banquet. The chapter has been giving local horsemen and women awards since 1959!”
The popular event will be held at the usual location, The Fountains at Wallkill Golf Club, on Sunday, December 2, 2018. This year, the chapter’s lifetime achievement award honouree will be Frank ‘The Elder’ Antonacci of Lindy Farms fame.
Of course, the primary beneficiaries of the funds raised by the chapter are the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame and Goshen Historic Track…two distinct entities that share the same hallowed ground and a mutual purpose of preserving and promoting harness racing. Lifetime donations by the chapter to these iconic organizations are approaching $100,000.
(With files from USHWA)