Here are some scenes from weekend #3 of racing at Shenandoah Downs. The annual “Wine & Trotter” festival was held in conjunction with the harness races as was a Fancy Hat Contest. A total of 23 races were held over the two days and 173 horses competed. Over $28,000 was wagered from on track attendees. Thanks to all for their support!
Each race day, one lucky fan will win a ride in the starters car for an actual race. Connie Payne, long time harness enthusiast, won the drawing on September 30th. Back when standardbreds raced at Colonial Downs, she took a liking to a horse that Joey Mapes drove called Taffey Towne. She now cheers for Joey at Shenandoah Downs.
The September 3oth card generated the most handle of any card at Shenandoah Downs in its two years. Win, place, show, exacta and trifecta betting is available on every race.
Tabatha Swift’s creation (shown above) was unique enough to win the Grand Prize Saturday. An assortment of fancy and creative headgear was on display to make the afternoon even more interesting.
The party tent in front of the grandstand hosted wine tastings on September 30th. Live music is also held in the tent every race day before and between races. Televisions also show the racing action along with college and pro football games.
And on the track, Fixed Income won her fourth straight race to kick off Sunday’s card. Her 1:54 1/5 was just two ticks of the clock off her lifetime best of 1:53 4/5 , which she set in Woodstock the week prior.
There are two more weekends of racing scheduled this fall at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds in Woodstock — October 7/8, and 14/15. This Saturday (Oct. 7) is the “Seafest” Seafood Festival where fans can enjoy their favorite seafood items and cheer on a horse at the same time. Post time is 1 PM and admission is free. The track is located at Exit 283 off I-81, halfway between Winchester and Harrisonburg. More details are at shenandoahdowns.com.
