Scenes From The 2021 Shenandoah Down Harness Racing Season In Woodstock, VA
The sixth season of pari-mutuel harness racing in Woodstock, VA took place from September 17 – October 16 and the ten day meet was the most lucrative ever for horsemen. A total of $1,526,557 in purse monies were distributed including eight Virginia Breeder’s Stakes worth a combined $684,225.
The meet is always met with enthusiastic crowds who enjoy racing in an old school environment. There are no Sky Suites or dining rooms — just a grandstand on the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds that has hosted standardbred racing for 104 years during the annual County Fair.
Fans are on top of the action which provides an intimate experience. Appreciative crowds cheer the horse that wins, and the horse that finishes last. The scene is very laid back. Admission and parking are free. Happy Hour racing on Friday features $2 draft beer and $1 hot dogs.
Keep an eye out for an expanded season in 2022. The five week meet could grow to as many as eight weeks! In the meanwhile, check out scenes from the fun we had this fall.