Local Harness Driver Betsy Brown Wins Her 500th Race Wednesday In Woodstock, Virginia

(WOODSTOCK, VA —- 9/2/2020) —- Driver Betsy Brown won her 500th career race Wednesday at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds as the Virginia Harness Horse Association’s three-day Matinee Meet kicked off.

Brown, who won her first race in the sulky in 1979, directed Believe In Him to career victory number 19 in a $2,000 Free For All Trot. The 6-year-old Conway Hall mare led at the quarter, surrendered the lead briefly to Justrestingmyeyes in the second turn, regained the lead before the half and never looked back. She crossed three lengths the best in 2:02. 

Betsy Brown is joined by Believe In Him’s co-owner — 12-year-old Morgan Marston — and VHHA Matinee Meet Racing Secretary Dee LIneweaver.

Brown, a local favorite whose farm is based one mile from the track, drove Believe In Him to victory in each of the last two Shenandoah County Fair meets as well. Brown’s last start prior to Wednesday was October 12 last year.As a driver, she has made 3,869 starts and her horses have earned $1,153,596 in purse monies. As a trainer, her horses have made 5,646 starts and have reached the winners circle 826 times.

Believe In Him won her 19th race September 2 at the VHHA Matinee Meet.

Bill Carter, the Shenandoah Downs meet’s leading driver last year, won three races Wednesday including one aboard 2019 Virginia Breeders 3-Year-Old Colt/Gelding Pacing champ, Sketcher. The Elwood Tignor trainee won for the first time this year but has bagged six “in the money” finishes from just nine starts. Carter also prevailed with two of his own trainees — Captain McKee and Pilgrims Lass.

The VHHA Matinee Meet continues Thursday and Friday with eight race programs beginning at 2 PM. The Shenandoah Downs extended meet  begins September 18 and runs through October 17.