Hall of Famers John Campbell & Foiled Again Help Usher In Shenandoah Downs Fall Racing Season

Some Fancy Beach Dominates On Opening Day Card

(WOODSTOCK, VA — 9/13/19) —- Timothy Betts’ Some Fancy Beach stole the show with a dominating 13 1/2 length win Friday in Woodstock, Virginia as Shenandoah Downs opened its fourth pari-mutuel harness meet. The 3-year-old Somebeachsomewhere filly powered to a five length margin on top at three-quarters, opened up by nine at the head of the stretch then crossed handily in 1:56 1/5. Overlooked at 12-1, driver Jeremy Indof guided the upset victor to her third lifetime triumph in 23 starts.

Some Fancy Beach wins on opening day by 13 lengths. Photo by Seth Dowling.

Driver Chris Shaw reached the winners circle four times Friday aboard Keystone Stevie, Triple T Swinger, Alexis May Hanover and Marvalous Song. Trainer Jason Shaw had a trio of wins with his brother’s last two and Cream Puff Diddy.

Another highlight of opening day was an appearance by two Hall of Famers — driver John Campbell and legendary horse Foiled Again. Both held a meet and greet with fans then after the seventh race, Campbell put on his racing colors and got in the sulky for the first time since his 2017 retirement. He led Foiled Again, now retired, in a lap around the track.

John Campbell stands with Foiled Again before they head out to the track.

Foiled Again will be at the track again Saturday. The first 600 fans 18 & up will receive a free Foiled Again t-shirt that commemorates his 104th win which came at Shenandoah Downs last fall. Woodstock based trainer/driver Betsy Brown, who is one win shy of her 500th win, will parade Foiled Again in front of the stands then take a lap as well.

Nine races were contested Friday and 12 will be held on Saturday beginning at 2 PM.  Racing Secretary Dee Lineweaver was pleased with entries the first weekend. “People were excited to come to Shenandoah Downs several years ago when we started because it was a brand new track. A lot has changed since but we don’t have barns yet and still race out of temporary tents. People like to come here though because it is has a friendly, nice atmosphere and the area is beautiful.”

John Campbell poses with Betsy Brown on opening day at Shenandoah Downs.

The Shenandoah Downs meet continues every Friday at 3:30 PM and Saturday at 2 PM until October 13th. The track is located at Exit 283 off I-81, halfway between Winchester and Harrisonburg. The races are streamed live at shenandoahdowns.com. Wagering is available at the track and at Colonial Downs OTBs at Breakers Sports Grille, Ponies and Pints, Buckets Bar & Grill, The Windmill OTB Sports Grill and at Rosie’s in New Kent.