Youth and animal appreciation day a success

GOSHEN, NY — More than 300 children and teens and an equal number of adults attended “Youth and Animal Appreciation Day,” hosted by Goshen Historic Track on Saturday, June 12.

It was held in conjunction with the matinee-racing program, dedicated to recall and applaud the goals, dreams and accomplishments of the late Hon. Jacob E. Gunther III.

A “race” of politicians was held in Gunther’s memory. Since the “unnamed” political race secretary deemed it prudent not to crowd the field with untested horsemen, the politicians’ race was held in two divisions (two horses in the first division and three in the second).

Honey Bernstein, supervisor of the Town of Goshen, was victorious in the first division with a time of just under three minutes for the mile. The second division placed Sam Wohl, Democrat and Sullivan County legislator, victorious over his son, Scott Wohl, Republican mayor of the Village of Goshen, and Tony Cellini, supervisor of the Town of Thompson, in an upsetting victory of many, many lengths, pacing the oval in an unknown time.

Following the political race and the exhilarating matinee race program, Goshen Historic Track introduced a “Parade of (equine) Breeds.” Chip Watson of the New York State Horse Council held the crowd’s attention while describing the 26 horses, riders, drivers and handlers parading in front of the grandstand, including a Gypsy Vanner, Swedish Warmblood, Hanovarian, Belgian, North American Spotted Draft, Miniature, Quarterhouse, Arabian and Shetland.

Glen Wild Animal Rescue and “River,” Goshen Humane, Everything Animals Resource Center, Orange County Hare Raisers and Rieki demonstrations were among the countless attractions that truly made the day a tribute to the memory of Jake Gunther.

Racing continues at Goshen Historic Track on July 2, 3, 4 and 5. Post time is 1:00 p.m. Admission costs $3 for adults; children under 12 are admitted free.