| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Address | 44 Park Place, Goshen, NY 10924 |
| Operator | Goshen Historic Track, Inc. (non-profit) |
| Racing | Harness (standardbred), half-mile track |
| 2026 season | June matinees; Grand Circuit July 3–5 |
| Casino | None; no pari-mutuel wagering |
| Getting there | Village of Goshen, Orange County; Route 17/I-86 |
Goshen’s harness racing roots, back to 1838
Goshen Historic Track says it’s the oldest active harness racing track in the world, with trotting and pacing on the site since 1838. Its earliest known photograph dates to July 4, 1859.
It was the first sporting venue in the U.S. to be designated a National Historic Landmark, in 1966. Churchill Downs got the same honor 22 years later. Goshen sits in the heart of Orange County, the area harness people call the “Cradle of the Trotter,” and Hambletonian winners have trained and raced here.
Since 1979 the track has been owned and run by Goshen Historic Track, Inc., a non-profit that keeps it working as a training center and community venue.
2026 dates: the Grand Circuit comes July 3–5
Goshen runs a short summer season. In 2026:
- June: Matinee racing
- July 3, 4 and 5: Grand Circuit racing
In 2025 the Grand Circuit weekend ran July 5–6, with gates at 11 a.m. and first post at 1 p.m. The cards featured the Landmark Stakes for 2- and 3-year-olds, New York Excelsior Series divisions, an amateur drivers’ trot and the Hall of Fame Trot Invitational. Goshen also livestreamed the races on its YouTube channel and Facebook page.
Goshen was the first half-mile track to join the Grand Circuit, in 1911.
Why there’s no betting at Goshen Historic Track
You can watch at Goshen, but you can’t bet. Pari-mutuel wagering ended in 1979, when the Harriman family turned the track over to the non-profit. One of the conditions was that wagering would stop. Goshen is a fair-style track with no betting windows, no simulcast wagering and no video gaming.
If you want harness racing with betting in the Hudson Valley, the nearest options are:
- Monticello Raceway, further up Route 17 in Sullivan County, with live racing on weekday afternoons
- Yonkers Raceway in Westchester, with night racing and the Empire City slots floor
The Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame at Goshen
Goshen is also home to the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame at 240 Main Street. The Hall of Fame was founded in 1949, and in 2025 its induction festivities followed Sunday’s Grand Circuit races at the track.
Nearby Delancey’s Bar and Restaurant sits trackside, and in season its patio overlooks the horses in training.
From Route 17 to Park Place: directions to Goshen
The track is on Park Place in the Village of Goshen, Orange County. From New York City, take I-87 north to Route 17 (future I-86) and head west to the Goshen exits. Call (845) 294-5333 for event days and times.
Want to wager? Bet other New York harness tracks online
Goshen’s races aren’t bet, but most New York harness tracks are. Licensed ADW apps such as TVG, TwinSpires, DK Horse, Xpressbet and AmWager take bets from New York residents, according to the NY State Gaming Commission. Compare them in our online horse betting guide, or read the AmWager review.
Goshen Historic Track FAQ
Can you bet at Goshen Historic Track?
No. Pari-mutuel wagering ended in 1979 under the terms of the Harriman family’s handover to the non-profit that runs the track.
When is racing at Goshen Historic Track?
Goshen holds matinee racing in June and Grand Circuit racing in early July. The 2026 Grand Circuit dates were July 3, 4 and 5.
Is Goshen the oldest harness track?
Goshen Historic Track says it’s the oldest active harness racing track in the world, racing since 1838. It’s a National Historic Landmark.
Where is the Harness Racing Hall of Fame?
At the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, 240 Main Street, Goshen, NY.
See every track and casino in our New York venues guide.
Gambling problem? Call or text 1-877-8-HOPENY (467369).