Shenandoah County Fair Harness Races Set To Begin August 30th

The 100th year of harness racing at the Shenandoah County Fair in Woodstock, Virginia kicks off Wednesday (August 30th) with an eight race card beginning at 1 PM.

The first two races are for two year olds — pacers in the first then trotters in the second. The fields for races 3 thru 5 will return later in the card and race a second heat as races 6 thru 8. Hot Rod Pete, (shown here) trained by Betsy Brown and driven by Chief Robbins, departs from the rail in the third.

Hot Rod Pete will leave from the rail in the third Fair race August 30th at the Shenandoah County Fair.

Big money earners Tug River Man and P L Dragon will compete in the fifth and sixth races respectively. The former, a 13 year old gelding, has 271 career starts while the latter, a 10 year old, has 281 outings. Entries are available at www.ustrotting.com. The four day Fair meet continues Thursday thru Saturday at 1 PM.

The actual pari-mutuel meet, called Shenandoah Downs, begins September 16th and continues through October 15th. Racing will take place every Saturday and Sunday at 1 PM. Admission is free during the fall season.

The Shenandoah Downs fall season begins in Woodstock September 16th.

Opening day features four Virginia Breeder’s races for two year olds worth $40,000 apiece. There is also a “Hooves ‘n Hops” Festival featuring craft beer samples and chili. Tickets are the festival are at shenandoahdowns.com or at the gate September 16th. Betting is also available on the races — win, place, show, exacta and trifecta bets can be placed with a teller or via a self bet terminal.