Shenandoah Downs raises the curtain on its tenth season of pari-mutuel harness racing in Woodstock on April 26 and a 7-week spring campaign will continue every Saturday and Sunday afternoon through June 8. Later in the year, a 7-week fall season will extend from September 13 – October 26 and a 4-day non-wagering County Fair meet will precede that, running from August 27-30. Post time is 1:05 PM except on thoroughbred Triple Crown days — May 3, May 17 and June 7 — when first harness post will be 3:05 PM.
A series of promotions will take place throughout 2025 celebrating the ten years of racing landmark. Four giveaway days are planned including a commemorative T-Shirt — with a special 10 years of racing logo — on April 26, a beverage tumbler — that showcases names and colors of the top 10 drivers over that time — on May 10, a commemorative baseball cap on September 13 and a bobblehead doll feting driver William Carter — who got his first win ever in Woodstock — on October 11.
The Virginia Harness Horse Association’s “Own a Horse for a Day” promotion returns on three separate occasions this spring where a combined 24 lucky fans will compete for a total of $15,000 in prize/purse monies — based on where the horse they “own” for a day finishes in a specific race. Eight Round 1 contestants will come from contesting via Shenandoah Downs social media channels in the month of April. The second round will be held on Mothers Day (May 11) and all contestants will come from moms attending the races that afternoon. Final round contestants will come from prize drawings held at the track on May 24 & 25 — Memorial Day weekend.
“Own a Horse” contestants enjoy complimentary lunch, get to meet their horse, driver and trainer in the paddock before the race and best of all, get to keep their share of winnings from a $5,000 race. Purse/prize distributions mimic a regular race — 50% to the winner, 25% to the runner-up followed by 12%, 8% and 5%. The sixth thru eighth place finishers receive $100, and all contestants create a long-lasting memory.
Other promotional highlights include Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Day parties during those respective Triple Crown events. Full card simulcast wagering from Churchill Downs, Pimlico and Belmont will be available. A free handicapping contest with $500 in prize money will take place all three days and top contestants advance to a “final table” on October 25 with a larger prize pool.
The popular Corgi dog races return on May 18 and Miniature Horse Races highlight Memorial Day weekend family festivities on May 24. A complete list of promotions and events is at shenandoahdowns.com.
Shenandoah Downs offers free parking and free admission. Complimentary Trackmaster past performance programs and tip sheets are available via the website as well. The Shenandoah simulcast signal is available to wager via all major streaming platforms and at many tracks and OTBs around the country.
