Trio Of $10,000 Races Highlight “Pink Power” Day at Shenandoah Downs

A trio of $10,000 races, an all female drivers challenge and an Old Timers race highlighted Saturday’s “Pink Power” card of racing at Shenandoah Downs. The event served as a fundraiser for the Shenandoah Valley chapter of the American Heart Association.

James Stiltner’s Shadows Mystery wired the field in the Pink Power Mares Invitational, the 8-year-old mare’s second straight win at the Woodstock half mile oval. She beat  five others including betting choice Swinging Jenny. Stiltner, who owns, trains and drives Shadows Mystery, guided the winner to a 1:55 3/5 mile and crossed 1 1/2 lengths in front of Art Of Dancing. She earned her third win of the year and 22nd lifetime score.

Gee Whiz George set a new track record in the $10,000 Open Trot, wiring the field in 1:55 1/5. The 5-year-old Great George Two gelding authored quarter fractions of :28 2/5, :57 4/5 and 1:27.0 before distancing himself from runner-up Headsaregonnaturn. Driver Tyler Shehan, who had three wins on the afternoon, directed the three length triumph for trainer Jean Rastetter and owner Maryann Rastetter. 

Bobby The Greek, an invader from Harrington, passed Stephen White’s Ideal Ace in the stretch and held on to win the $10,000 Open Pace. The 7-year-old Artzina gelding crossed in 1:53.0, tying a season’s best time. The $5,000 winner’s share of the purse pushed his bankroll over the $200,000 mark. He is trained and owned by Shawn Hanley. Gerry Longo’s Swagasaurusrex finished second and Ideal Ace held on for third.

Linda Shadel went coast-to-coast in the second annual $5,000 Ladies Driving Challenge aboard her two-year-old pacer, Franco, who won his first lifetime race. The Rusty’s All In gelding finished in 2:02 2/5, and crossed one-half length ahead of Sierra Graham and Dreaming Jeanie. Other participants included Stacy McLenaghan, Doreen Dailey, Laurie Stark, Jean Rastetter and Betsy Brown.

Dr. Scott Woogen, head of the Virginia Harness Horse Association, passed Jean Rastetter and Bet Together just past the quarter mark and never looked back in winning the $5,000 Old Timers Invitational with Cyrus Seelster. The 64-year-old Woogen was 1 1/2 lengths the best in the 55 years of age and up race. Doreen Dailey was second with Highland Hellion. David Swaney and Laurie Stark also participated.

The $300,000 Virginia Breeder’s Championships close out the fourth annual season on Sunday. The first of 11 non-betting races is at 12 Noon.