Shenandoah Downs gears up for third weekend of action on Sept. 30, Oct. 1

Racing at Shenandoah Downs / Courtesy Photo

WOODSTOCK, VA — A $7,000 Open Trot and $7,000 Open Pace, scheduled as back to back co-featured races on Saturday (September 30), headline upcoming weekend activities at Shenandoah Downs. The second annual fall harness season in Woodstock, Virginia, which enters its third weekend, continues through October 15th.

The “Open” races last weekend were held on different days, but both resulted in thrilling finishes decided by a neck. Dominus Hanover (1:58 4/5) edged Southwind Glider by that slim margin in the trot while upset winner Western Captive (1:52 4/5) was a neck better than John’s Dream in the pace. Interestingly, neither of the one-two finishers is an early favorite this weekend.

Beep Beep Bye Bye, who finished third in the Open Trot last Sunday, is top morning line pick at 5-2 while Roger Hammer’s R N Nate, winner of three straight, is 2-1 in the pace. The former finished third, three-quarters of a length behind Dominus Hanover, while the latter moves up into open company. The Open Trot has been carded as race eight and the Open Pace immediately follows as race nine. The pair attracted respective seven and eight horse fields.

Big payoffs highlighted action last Saturday including Western Captive’s tight win in the day’s finale that returned $97.80 for a $2 win bet. The first four payouts of the day were $9.20, $30.40, $18.60 and $158.20. The fourth was courtesy of No Concert, who was sent off at 78-1. Average win payout for the 11 race card was $32.36.

Promotion-wise, the fifth annual “Wine & Trotter” Festival and WINC Fancy Hat Contest will complement Saturday’s twelve race card. Fans can purchase an upgrade ticket and sample wines from area vineyards before and during the races. A $50 betting voucher will be awarded to the guest who wears the most elegant hat and another to the one who shows the most creativity in headgear. The first 200 attendees at Sunday’s eleven race card will receive a free Shenandoah Downs baseball cap. Musician Ed Barney will perform in the party tent on Saturday from 12 Noon – 3 PM while Crys Matthews sings on Sunday during the same time frame.

Each race day this fall, one lucky winner will receive a ride in the starter’s car via a random drawing. Contest entries are located in that day’s racing program. One lucky fan this fall will win a Shenandoah Downs VIP Experience courtesy of the Northern Virginia Daily. The prize package includes a named race, a ride in the starter’s car and the chance to announce an actual horse race. Fans can enter by e-mailing their name, address, phone number and e-mail address to composing@nvdaily.com. Please put “VIP Experience” in the subject line.

Gates open at 11 AM both days and races begin at 1 PM. Win, place, show, exacta and trifecta wagering is available either through manned teller windows or via self bet terminals. Past performance programs are $1 and include a complimentary tip sheet. Parking and admission are free.

Shenandoah Downs is located in Woodstock, Virginia at I-81, exit 283 halfway between Harrisonburg and Winchester. For details, visit shenandoahdowns.com.