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 favourite 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.
(Goshen Historic Track)