Hall of Fame night at Goshen

Hal Jones and Dave Palone were inducted into the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame on Sunday night in Goshen, NY, on the lawn outside the walls of the Hall. Their induction took place on a hot summer night, just a few minutes before fireworks celebrating Independence Day began to explode in the surrounding skies.

Jones was introduced by fellow horse breeder Charlie Keller, who took the audience of about 300 on Jones’s journey from Pickwick Farms in Ohio to Blue Chip, Hanover Shoe, Lana Lobell and finally Cameo  Hills Farm, which he founded for himself.

“I think Charlie covered all the bases,” said Jones at the podium. Then he thanked his wife, Marie, and said , “If it wouldn’t have been for her, I wouldn’t be here.”

Palone was up next—and last—on the program, and he was introduced by Roger Huston, who has called most of the races Palone has won during his career. Palone rightfully noted that his induction “means as much to (Huston) as to me. He’s like a proud father.”

Palone recounted a few memories, like being taken to see his first Adios by his father, and a couple of his injuries, but mostly he thanked those who had helped him throughout his career, including his wife Bethann, who he credited with his speedy recovery from injuries. (She is a physical therapist.)

Others recognized on Hall of Fame night were Murray Brown, longtime director of public relations at Hanover Shoe Farms, and Jim Moran, publicity director and announcer at Vernon Downs.

In addition, the horses Three Diamonds, Bunny Lake and Varenne were inducted into the Hall in the Immortal and Living Horse Hall of Fame categories, respectively.

Dr. Harry M. Zweig, who helped found the New York Sire Stakes program, was inducted into the Hall as an Immortal, as was Alden Goldsmith, who owned the great Goldsmith Maid, and the famed equine artist Richard Stone Reeves, whose work is displayed throughout the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame.

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