On The Rail with Sydney Weaver ‘Racing Back in Time’

This book told the beginning of horse racing in North America and the birth of one of the most prized and respected races in North America- the Hambletonian. It is a must read book for every, trainer, owner, driver, caretaker and harness racing enthusiast alike.

The drive took us about 8 hours to get to Goshen, New York and where our hotel was, was not too far from the Goshen Historic Track. The entire drive I was doing my best to contain my excitement. Tomorrow I would be at the oldest race track in North America, The Historic Track in Goshen, NY. Racing only takes place at the Historic Track 4 days every year for the New York Sire Stakes and a few weekends of matinee races.

The next morning I was so excited. After breakfast we headed straight to the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame. I was overcome with delight as my parents and I walked up the stone path with each stone bearing the name of a horse, driver or someone else that had a big impact on harness racing from long ago and others more recent that someone wanted to remember; that is when I first got the feeling that I was stepping back in time.

As my parents and I walked through the big wooden doors the feeling that I was being transported back in time got even stronger. It was interesting to learn that the museum was once a stable. The dividers between every few stalls had been taken down. In the stalls was a different period of racing and some were even dedicated to a specific person or horse.

There was a stall just for Stanley Dancer and stable memorabilia and one for the great trotter Hambletonian, another for the pacing marvel Dan Patch, I was in awe. There were also plaques that explained the artifacts and history that happened in that time period. I made my parents stop at everything so I could read every plague. I did not want to miss a single detail of the museum.

Even though there have been renovations at the historic site over the years, looking around you would never know. Beneath your feet is still a cobblestone walkway, the ceilings still tower high above your head. After walking through what felt like decades, we then entered a room with every single race bike ever invented.

It was intriguing and amusing to see the innovations that shaped our sport. There was a room just for the Little Brown Jug. The Living Hall of Fame which honors the living legends both human and horses of harness racing, the statues in the living Hall of Fame featured the works of the late Beverly Lopez.

There was the Communicators Hall of Fame section with cute portraits and biographies of the top writers, announcers and other journalism greats in our sport. Maybe, just maybe, I could be there one day.

There was an interactive section which included a game where you were at the Lexington Sale and you had to under bid on horses, but all the horses were well known horses. Another game was where a clip of a replay was shown and the person watching had to spot the infraction. There were a couple other interactive components but I do not want to spoil all the surprises.

After looking at everything there was to see and reading everything there was to read, my parents and I headed to see the track.

Just looking at the track, I could feel the history come back to life. I could hear the faint pounding of horses’ hooves hitting the dusty track and see the clouds that formed from the horses whizzing around the turns and the horses racing past me.

I hear the cracks of driver’s whips echo in the air and the cheers of pure excitement as the horses drew closer and closer to the wire. With the fall breeze blowing around me, life just seemed peaceful and perfect; I was in a state of true admiration.

The tote board did not have a clock, only slots for numbers to slide into and a door for a person to enter through to put the numbers up. The judge’s stand was in the infield and stood high above the track.

When I looked at the grandstand I thought of the times of old when men and women wore their very best to take in an afternoon of racing. The track simply took my breath away. I stood in admiration; this is where it all started. This is where the very first records were set and the first rivalries were challenged other than on the dirt road. Without this historic and beautiful track our sport would not be in existence, this is where it all started.

I had heard that along with other trainers, Ray Schnittker was stabled at the barns behind the Harness Racing and Hall of Fame and Museum.  

Ray Schnittker trained the champion trotting mare Check Me Out. So my parents and I made our way across the track to see if we could meet her. We got to one of his barns and no one was there. So we headed over to the other barn with his name marked in a sign on the front on one of the barn door.

On our way to the second barn, we met a farrier and he turned out to be the farrier of Check Me Out. He was kind enough to take my parents and me to see her.

She was so sweet, I rubbed her forehead and she snuggled into chest. My dad then turned to me so my mom could get a picture of me and Check Me Out. Then, the next thing I knew Check Me Out was gently tugging on the collar of my colors.  

I think she was trying to tell me that I should stay a little bit longer.  While I spent a few more minutes with Check Me Out, my parents and I spoke with the farrier.  Then he said he would be back in a moment.

When he returned he brought with him a horseshoe and handed it to me. “It is her shoe.” pointing to Check Me Out. That is something I will always remember and cherish and to this day I have not let my mom wash Check Me Out’s shoe. A week after my visit with Check me out it was announced that she had been retired. I felt really special to have had the opportunity to meet a true champion. 

Just like Born to Trot is a book every racing fan, trainer, owner, driver and caretaker should read, the Harness Racing Hall of Fame and Museum is one place that every fan, trainer, driver, owner and caretaker in harness racing should visit.

Going to the Hall of Fame and Museum was an incredible experience and was one place I hoped to return to as soon as possible and if I was lucky, I would be able to return when the four days of racing were on.  

After reflecting for months and months about my memories of going to the Harness Racing Hall of Fame and Museum I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to return during one of the four days of racing.

After visit the Meadowlands Racetrack on the Friday and Saturday I was going to spend the Sunday at the USHWA (United States Harness Writers Association) meeting in the morning and the Hall of Fame induction ceremony that evening, both events took place at the Harness Racing Hall and Museum. It was sure to be the perfect way to end an unforgettable weekend.    

Being back felt like the first time. The feeling of history took my breath way, only this time it was more captivating. People were going this way and that anticipating the exciting races to come later in the day. For now people were looking around the museum and gift shop and so was I.

One of the many special keepsakes I bought was a copy of the book Old Friends by Barbara Livingston and Ellen Harvey. I was lucky enough to meet Ms Harvey and she was kind enough to sign the book for me. I was then looking at the t-shirts and caps when a voice behind me said “Sydney! You don’t know who I am, but I know who you are!”

I turned my head as quick as I could. Standing exactly where I had heard the voice coming from was Roger Huston! My jaw dropped. It was Roger Huston! I was speechless! He was the voice of the Little Brown Jug, and perhaps the most famous announcer in harness racing. And he was right in front of me. That realization made my heart skip a beat.

The two of us talked for a few minutes, and then my mom reminded me that I had a Little Brown Jug t-shirt that I was hoping to get Roger Huston to sign. He agreed to sign it and I sent my mom out to our vehicle to get it.

After that unbelievable encounter I made my way to my USHWA meeting. I was honored to be a part of meeting which discussed important events that had happened and that were going to happen in the coming months that involved harness racing. It was also an honor to be surrounded by people who share a passion for harness racing and writing as I do.

After my meeting, I had opportunity to meet Elbridge Gerry, III, the son of the founder of the Harness Racing Hall of Fame and Museum that was a true honor for me. His passion and knowledge for harness racing was inspiring. Then, my parents and I headed outside to see the action.  I was blown away; the scene around me was nothing I had ever expected. The grandstand was packed, but the part that made me smile was how every person cheered as each horse and their driver entered the track for the first race.  Everyone cheered because they loved the sport. All the races on the card were trots and non- pari-mutuel.

Another highlight of the day was the ‘Mr. and Mrs. Elbridge T. Gerry, Sr. Memorial Hall of Fame Trot’. This race was unlike another on the day’s card because all of the drivers who drove in it were Hall of Fame drivers and legends in harness racing. Following the race the drivers went to meet and greet fans and I was lucky enough to be one of them.  

That evening I had the honor of attending the United States Harness Racing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.  It was an evening full of laughs, new memories and people coming together to celebrate each other’s accomplishments.  

A sense of enchantment encompassed the museum. The outside gardens were decorated with lights and everyone was dressed up. The museum had an elegant vibe; everyone in attendance was just having a great time. But like all fun times it eventually had to come to end and when it did I was a little sad, the final piece in my very eventful weekend. I met so many wonderful people and was blessed to be able to spend my final night with them and they made my night even more special.

Being able to go back to the Harness Racing Hall of Fame was truly special and I am very grateful that I was able to attend during such a monumental time of the year, and I am very thankful to those whom made it possible.

Whether you attend during the Fourth of July weekend or another day of the year if you are an owner, trainer, driver, caretaker, or someone who has a deep passion for harness racing, I hope one day you visit the Harness Racing Hall of Fame and Museum too and it leaves you inspired as it did me when I visited…