“To many, the words love, hope and dreams are synonymous with horses,” (author unknown). For Verner ‘Dooley’ Putnam, the horse of dreams that captured his heart was champion trotter, Greyhound.

When the great gray trotter won the 1935 Hambletonian at Goshen, New York, America was still struggling to emerge from the Great Depression. After one of the most successful racing careers in Harness Racing history the ‘Gray Ghost’ was retired in 1940 to a farm in Maple Park, Illinois and into the care of Dooley Putnam. Over the next 25 years, the champion and the ‘old country boy’ were constant companions.

On Wednesday, November 15, 2017 museum curator Rebecca Howard will highlight the story of Dooley and the Gray Ghost at a luncheon to be held at the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame. The Museum’s education department, led by Kristin Roberts, will guide participants in the creation of a horse-related seasonal craft to enhance the afternoon session.

Tickets for the event are $18 for museum members and $20 for non-members, which includes the presentation, a hot-buffet Thanksgiving feast with soft drinks and dessert, as well as all art supplies. Reservations are required by Monday, November 13 and because of anticipated interest please call 845-294-6330 early to secure your place at the table.

For further information about the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame’s school programs, educational workshops or children’s birthday parties, please contact the Education Department at 845-294-6330 or [email protected].

Thanks to USTA support, the museum is currently offering free admission for walk-in visitors and $4/person for group docent-guided tours. For information on membership, special events and gift shop services at The Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, please call 845-294-6330 or visit the website (harnessmuseum.com). The museum is open daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

(Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame)