Teen Drive Hits Career Milestone at Shenandoah Downs

At just 19 years old, Jesse Barnard is already making waves in the world of harness racing. The young driver, who regularly competes at Shenandoah Downs in Woodstock, Virginia, reached a major career milestone last week—one that puts him among the sport’s top emerging talent.

19-Year-Old Shenandoah Downs Driver Jesse Barnard. Photo by Darrell Wood

After 315 career starts and plenty of determination, Barnard officially earned his “A” license, the highest classification for harness drivers. That license replaces his previous “P” or provisional status, meaning he’s now cleared to race without restrictions at betting tracks across the country.

“It was quite the unique experience—unlike anything I’ve ever done,” Barnard said. “A lot of people said I got it done in a short amount of time, but that’s not what matters most to me. I’m just grateful to have an ‘A’ license at this point in my career. Hopefully, I can keep growing as a driver and trainer.”

Barnard’s path to this point started with a Q/F license, which allows new drivers to participate in qualifying races and county fair events. His first 25 drives were in qualifying races at The Meadows in Pennsylvania, his home track. From there, he moved through the ranks, proving to judges that he had the skills and experience needed to compete at the next level.

So far, his results speak for themselves: 28 wins, 41 runner-up finishes, and 33 third-place drives. Not bad for someone just two years removed from high school.

“This is it for me,” he said. “I’ve been completely involved since I drove my first horse. My parents are in it, too—Mom is a fifth-generation horseman and Dad is first-generation. They’re both here in Woodstock with me this meet.”

Jesse’s weekends this fall have been packed with racing at Shenandoah Downs, where he’s picked up several wins and been a familiar face on the track. The family hauls their horses to the Shenandoah Valley on Fridays, stays overnight Saturday, and heads home after the Sunday races. Barnard also races in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Kentucky throughout the year.

“I picked up six or seven wins back home this year, and I’ve gotten a few more here at Shenandoah,” he said. “My dad always told me I’d need to get rid of that ‘P’ next to my name in the program to get more drives. So I contacted a judge at The Meadows and made the request. When I got the text back saying I was approved, I started jumping up and down.”

His most memorable day in racing so far? April 7 at Oak Grove in Kentucky. Barnard had just two drives that day and won them both—one by a neck, the other by a half-length.

“That was huge for me,” he said. “It gave me a big confidence boost. It proved that I can do this and make it in the industry.”

Another bright spot this fall has been Barnard’s connection with Inn at Rodanthe, a six-year-old trotter with more than $170,000 in career earnings. Barnard’s father claimed the horse earlier this year, and it has already won twice this Shenandoah meet.

“He loves half-mile tracks and can win any way you ask—on the lead, from behind, second over—it doesn’t matter,” Jesse said. “He’s just plain versatile.”

Barnard’s long-term plans include building a small barn and managing his own set of horses. He hopes to one day race regularly with a full stable and continue picking up more drives.

As for how his high school friends feel about his path?

“They kind of laughed at me at first,” he admitted. “But I’ve got a couple of friends who watch me race now. It’s hard to get young people to understand this sport. That’s something we need to work on as an industry.”

For now, Jesse Barnard is exactly where he wants to be—on the track, working with horses, and chasing wins.

Shenandoah Downs wraps up its tenth fall racing season this weekend. Saturday, October 25, features the $320,000 Virginia Breeders 2-Year-Old Championships, while closing day on Sunday, October 26, includes the fan-favorite “Trunk or Treat” from 2–3 p.m. Post time is 1:05 p.m. each day, and admission is free. For more information, visit shenandoahdowns.com.

(Taken from Press Release)