Goshen Historic Track in New York has announced that the renowned Charles E. Coon and Sons are currently refurbishing the track and that Ray Schnittker will have Deweycheatumnhowe be the first horse to go a training trip over the new course.
Recently the board of directors, spearheaded by president Bernie White, voted to refurbish the racetrack and elevate the turns which have always been close to being flat with very little banking. Many tons of stone-dust are currently being added on each turn; elevating them to a degree deemed favorable for allowing horses to be at their best when rounding the bends.
The project is currently scheduled to be completed by this coming weekend.
In the early 1980s the track surface at Goshen was changed to stone-dust from the original clay base which allowed for a safer racetrack during inclement weather and the new surface was and is better suited for year-round training which has been a staple for the not-for-profit organization.
This past summer marked the 171st season for the historic track, open since the late 1830s. Over the years many of the sports greatest horses have competed at Goshen, including Greyhound, Uhlan, Speedy Rodney, Stars Pride, Matastar, Tassel Hanover, Titan Hanover and even Goldsmith Maid, to name a few.
Though he didn't race there, Deweycheatumnhowe calls Historic Track home because Schnittker, 'Dewey's' trainer-driver, stables at the National Historic Landmark.
(With files from Goshen)