Shenandoah Downs Kicks Off 2024 Fall Meet with Exciting Events and Promotions

Shenandoah Downs is gearing up to welcome fans back for its ninth season of pari-mutuel harness racing, starting Saturday, September 14. The fall meet will run for seven weeks, with racing scheduled every Saturday and Sunday at 1:05 PM through October 27.

Opening day is set to be memorable, featuring a commemorative baseball cap giveaway to the first 500 fans who arrive. Visitors will also enjoy live blues and rock music from local favorite Bobbie G & The Heavies. The excitement continues on Sunday, September 15, with concession specials like $1 hot dogs, $2 canned beers, and free ice cream served in an 8-ounce souvenir cup. Guests who bring back their cups on future race days will receive a $1 discount on ice cream refills.

Unique “Own a Horse for a Day” Promotion

The “Own a Horse for a Day” promotion kicks off on opening Sunday. Eight lucky fans who won contests through social media, Harrisonburg radio stations WSIG and WSVA, or at the Shenandoah County Fair harness races will get to share in a $5,250 purse. Sponsored by the Virginia Harness Horse Association, this unique opportunity allows fans to meet their horse and team, enjoy a complimentary lunch, and share in the winnings based on their horse’s finish. The top prize is $2,625; even the last-place finisher will take home $100. Fans will have additional chances to participate on September 21 and 22 and October 12 and 13.

Season Highlights and Special Events

The fall meet is packed with entertaining events, including:

• Wiener Dog Races on September 22.
• Texas Trick Rider Demonstrations on September 28 and 29.
• Autumnfest Celebration hosted by the Shenandoah County Chamber on October 5, expected to draw around 3,000 attendees.
• Cornhole Tournaments on September 21 and October 12.
• Ski Hat Giveaway on October 12.
• Miniature Horse Races on October 19.
• Concert Series featuring top regional bands throughout the meet.

Additionally, Shenandoah Downs will celebrate specific groups with three special race days, where all races will be named after participating fans. The themes are Grandparents (October 6), Active and Retired Military (October 12), and Cancer Survivors (October 19). Participants can register for free by emailing drrllwd@hotmail.com to have a race named after them, participate in a winner’s circle presentation, and receive a souvenir photo and a ride in the starter’s car.

Championship Day and More

The meet will culminate on Sunday, October 27, with the Virginia Breeder’s Championship Day. This prestigious event will feature eight divisional championships for two—and three-year-old pacers and trotters, boasting a combined purse of over $650,000.

Shenandoah Downs offers free parking and admission for all visitors, along with complimentary Trackmaster past performance programs and tip sheets at shenandoahdowns.com. Racing fans can also watch and wager on Virginia races through Dish-TV, Twinspires, TVG, Xpressbet, and NYRAbets.

Located at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds off I-81 at Exit 283 in Woodstock, Shenandoah Downs is ideally situated between Harrisonburg and Winchester, making it a convenient destination for race fans throughout the region.