Fire destroys barns, stables at Goshen Historic Track
BY ERIKA NORTON
GOSHEN - A large fire completely demolished several barns, stables and the historic blacksmith shop at the Goshen Historic Track Wednesday night. Due to the quick actions of first responders and nearby good samaritans, all of the horses were saved.
Despite the tragic loss, riders could still be seen taking horses out for runs around the track Thursday morning, while others watched as clean-up crews bulldozed and removed the charred rubble of the obliterated barns.
What was first reported as a smoke investigation at 6:26 p.m. Wednesday night quickly turned into a four-alarm structure fire, according to the Goshen Fire District. Fourteen fire companies and departments assisted in putting out the blaze.
No one was injured.
The Goshen Historic Track is a national landmark dating back to 1838, and the structure destroyed in the fire was over 180 years old, according to fire officials.
Tony Lasaponara, the owner of TAM Enterprises, was onsite cleaning up the scene Thursday. A Goshen resident and fireman, Lasaponara said he was on his way to the village for dinner Wednesday night when he heard about the fire.
“I got here and a horse came running right past me,” he said, “so we got him back inside.”
“It’s a shame,” he continued. “Thank God nobody got hurt. If this had happened four hours later in the night...”
Due to the smoke, Delanceys Bar & Restaurant, which has balcony seating overlooking the track, was evacuated, according to Lasaponara. He said several patrons at the restaurant at the time ran to the scene to help save the horses.
According to The Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame Facebook page, Harness Racing Museum Director Janet Terhune was on standby during the fire. Neither the track pavilion seating nor the museum on either side of where the blaze broke out, were harmed.
Local owner/trainer Jennifer Connor posted on Facebook Thursday morning: “I'm still a bit numb.... this is how close my family was to losing Every Thing... I am so grateful to every single person who jumped into action and saved every horse.
“It’s amazing what can be accomplished when people come together...Thank you a million times over,” Connor continued. “The fire departments were amazing. It’s very unsettling knowing what could have happen but be grateful it didn't. Someone was looking over us.”
The Goshen Fire Department said they would like to thank the Village of Goshen Mayor, board, and DPW, Village and Town of Goshen Police, and the Goshen Burger King for providing food Wednesday night.
The fire companies and districts which assisted in putting out the fire include Chester, Campbell Hall, Circleville, Florida, Maybrook, Middletown, Mechanicstown, Monroe, Montgomery, New Hampton, Pine Island, Pocatello, Slate Hill and Washingtonville. Standby companies included Coldenham and Johnson.
EMS responders included Orange County Coordinator 1, Orange County Coordinator 15, GOVAC, Monroe VAC, MLSS and Warwick EMS. Orange County Fire Coordinators, Battalion 6 Coordinator, Orange County County Fire Investigators and Westchester County Arson K9 also responded.
How to helpThe Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame also posted online that insurance does not cover the steep cost of rebuilding what was lost. The non-profit organization is asking for donations to help pay for their reconstruction.
Donations can be made directly to: Goshen Historic Track 44 Park Place, Goshen, NY 10924.
All donations are tax deductible.
Gifts in kind (harness, feed, etc.) or gift cards Big Dee’s, L&B Tack, Finn Track, Tractor Supply, etc. are also needed and greatly appreciated, according to the post, and will go to helping the horses and horsemen and women affected by the fire.
For more information, email info@goshenhistorictrack.com or call 845-294-5333.