An in-to-go pacer parading in a high-wheel sulky and a standardbred vs. donkey showdown were just a couple of the highlights from Sunday, March 13 in Goshen
, New York during the 35th annual Mid-Hudson St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Thousands lined the streets of the 'Cradle of the Trotter' to take in the proceedings. Revelers dressed in green cheered for a caravan of horses which proudly represented the Harness Racing Museum and Goshen Historic Track. Four retired standardbreds and one current performer were basking in the glory of a town which treasures trotters and the historical significance that harness horses have bestowed upon this Colonial-era village.
Speakin Greek, a nine-year-old gelding owned by George Bourloukos of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, was driven through the streets of Goshen in a high-wheeled sulky by his trainer, Brian Yusko. A winner of nearly $250,000 lifetime, the well-mannered steed has the rail in the seventh race Monday, March 14, at Yonkers. He will be driven by Stephane Bouchard, who has a win and a second in his last two starts with the horse. Despite his appointment on Monday at the Westchester county oval, the horse was all business in the parade on Sunday. He poignantly stood for pictures while proudly symbolizing the roots of harness racing.
Four retired standardbreds were ridden in the parade by their current owners: Belle Gay Jigger (driven by Geri Schwarz), Fox Valley Kincade (Liz Stubits), Tonis Future (Doug Gosney), and The Chosen One (Barb Stubits Merton). In fact, one group was so impressed with the versatility and manners of the standardbreds on display they decided to take one home. The Otisville Correctional Facility Mounted Unit that preceded the Historic Track group in the parade line-up, made arrangements with Liz Stubits to adopt a retired standardbred for its program.
In addition, the long line of equine enthusiasts also consisted of: two standard donkeys, driven by Morrisville College graduate John Schick of Obernburg, New York; two miniature horses led by a collection of teenagers and boy scouts; a pinto ridden by Hippo therapy instructor Heather Ackerman from Monticello’s Center for Discovery; Historic Track’s mobile starting gate; and a host of volunteers to ensure that the horses and their droppings were all accounted for.
Following the parade, an impromptu match race took place between Fox Valley Kincaid driven by Doug Gosney, and Chico, AKA the Grey Rocket, one of the donkeys in the parade driven by draft horse expert John Schick.
Goshen Historic Track will host matinee racing on Sunday, June 5, 12 and 19. June 5 is Youth Day and will feature the annual High School Scholarship race and a demonstration featuring live birds of prey (eagles, falcons, owls, etc.). Grand Circuit racing will begin Friday, July 1 and will run through Monday, July 4. Hall of Fame Day is Sunday, July 3 and will feature the annual Hall of Fame Drivers Invitational Trot with an autograph session immediately following the race. For further information, check goshenhistorictrack.com, or call Chris Tully at 845-294-5333.
(Goshen Historic Track)