Due to a generous bequest by longtime Virginia harness horsewoman Jan Nofsinger, the Virginia Harness Horse Association (VHHA) has established a $1,000 scholarship for family members of the Virginia racing community.
Guidelines and the application can be found on the scholarship tab on the VHHA.net website. Completed applications must be returned to the VHHA office by May 15, 2026. They can be emailed to info@vhha.net, faxed to 804-655-6161 or mailed to the VHHA – P.O. Box 1603 – Saluda, VA. 23149
To be eligible for a Jan Nofsinger Scholarship Program grant, an individual must be the child, grandchild or other family member of an owner, trainer, or driver who has participated in harness racing in the Commonwealth of Virginia on a regular basis over the two years preceding the application and is a member of the VHHA, or can be such qualifying owner, trainer, or driver that is pursuing a higher education. Family members of deceased VHHA members are also eligible. VHHA Board members and officers and their family members are not eligible for a scholarship grant.
Applicants are required to submit a completed application form, official high school and/or college transcripts, a personal statement that describes their educational and career goals and details their involvement in Standardbred racing and/or breeding within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Applicants may include any additional information they consider relevant.
When a scholarship is granted, the VHHA will mail the grant check directly to the educational institution. All applications will be reviewed by the VHHA Scholarship Committee and awarded at its discretion. Extracurricular activities, community involvement, scholarship, citizenship, leadership, and evidence of character will all be taken into account in the assessment of merit. Enrollment in a curriculum related to or that could benefit Virginia’s harness racing and/or breeding industry will receive special consideration.
Jan Nofsinger of Warsaw, Virginia passed away at her home on Oct. 26, 2022 at the age of 67. Jan owned horses for decades and officially trained from 1999-2017. Jan will be remembered for her love of standardbred horses and harness racing. She was a longtime member of the VHHA and served as a board member for many years.
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Shenandoah Down 2026 Spring Racing Applications Due March 11
The 2026 racing schedule at Shenandoah Downs will again feature a pair of seven-week meets. The spring session will run from April 11 – May 24 and the fall meet will run from September 19 – November 1. Race days are Saturday and Sunday afternoons with a 1:05 PM post. A four-day non-wagering meet will also be conducted during the Shenandoah County Fair from September 2-5. Racing applications are currently available online under the “Horsemen” header at shenandoahdowns.com and are due by Wednesday March 11. For information, contact Race Secretary Karen Fagliarone at 732-239-0281.
