Scenes From Shenandoah Downs Harness Racing On September 23rd

Western Captive pulled a big upset in Saturday’s finale — a $7,000 Open Handicap Pace. James Stiltner II, who owns, trains and drives the 10 year old Western Hanover gelding, crossed in a photo finish with John’s Dream in a sizzling 1:52 4/5. The winner paid $97.80 for a $2 win bet!

Western Captive (outside) is shown just before the finish, where he came on to beat John’s Dream (inside) in 1:52 4/5. Photo by Dee Leftwich.

Racing fan Doug Williams was hot with longshots Saturday at Shenandoah Downs. He closed out the day connecting on a trifecta with a 45-1 shot on top (Western Captive) and earlier, did the same thing with a 70-1 on top (No Concert).

Racing fan Doug Williams hit a pair of trifectas with respective 45-1 and 70-1 shots.

Travy Landes of Woodstock, Virginia, won a ride in the starter’s cart on Saturday. Her name was selected in a random drawing to win the unique ride. She is shown here before the ride with starter Mo Lafontaine.

Starter Mo Lafontaine is pictured with Woodstock resident Tracy Landes.

Harness horse owner Nancy Lisi brought her three piece old time jazz group to Shenandoah Downs Saturday to play under the party tent. The name of the trio is “The Trotters”.

Nancy Lisi plays upright bass and sings with her group “The Trotters”.

Saturday’s first three $2 win payouts were $9.60, $30.40 and $18.60. In the fourth race, winner No Concert paid a whopping $158.20 to win!