Opening Day of 2019 Fall Harness Season At Shenandoah Downs

Date: September 13, 2019
Time: 2:30 pm  to  7:30 pm

The fourth annual pari-mutuel harness race season at Shenandoah Downs will kick off on Friday September 13th and continue for five consecutive weekends with racing every Friday from 3:30-6:30 PM and Saturday from 2:00 – 5:00 PM.

Harness drivers pass the grandstand during the first race at Shenandoah Downs track on Saturday. Rich Cooley/Daily

Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley in the quaint town of Woodstock, Virginia, harness racing here is a throwback of sorts where fans fill the grandstand and cheer horses on with passion. There is a true appreciation for the time and effort it takes to get a horse to the track to compete.

There is wagering of course — win, place, show, exacta and trifecta every race. Parking and admission are free. The races are family friendly and complement a day or weekend of wine tasting at nearby vineyards or make for a great “post-hiking” activity.

Every race day is special at Shenandoah Downs. Friday’s “Happy Hour” race programs feature $1 draft beverages, $1 hot dogs and post-racing karaoke in the party tent. Some Saturday events are still being finalized but mark your calendars now for these great events — a  Commemorative T-Shirt giveaway on September 14th, Weiner Dog races on September 28th, the Chamber’s annual Autumnfest  celebration on October 5th and “Pink Power Breast Cancer Awareness Day” on October 12th.

The Virginia Breeder’s Championships for two and three-year-old pacers & trotters of both sexes will be held on Sunday October 13th in a special non-betting card. The preliminary Breeder’s races will be held the Sunday prior, on October 6th.

Updates are available throughout the year here or at www.shenandoahdowns.com.