Shenandoah Downs: 2024 spring harness meet begins Saturday

Shenandoah Downs raises the curtain on its ninth season of pari-mutuel harness racing this weekend in Woodstock. Nestled in the heart of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, the track will host a pair of seven-week meets this year – a spring session that runs from April 6 - May 19 and a fall session that runs from September 14 - October 27. Racing takes place every Saturday and Sunday at 1:05 PM with two exceptions --- on Kentucky Derby Day (May 4) and Preakness Day (May 18), when first post is 2:05 PM.

Opening day features a commemorative t-shirt giveaway to the first 500 fans in the gate and in addition, the first 200 fans will also receive a bonus complimentary baseball cap courtesy of Standing Stallions. On Sunday, another 200 caps will be given away and concession specials include $1 hot dogs and $2 canned beer. Eight lucky fans that registered through social media contesting will get a chance to "Own a Horse for a Day" and win their share of a $5,250 purse. The Virginia Harness Horse Association sponsors the promotion three times each race meet and gives 24 fans overall a chance to participate.

Shenandoah Downs offers free parking and free admission for on-track customers, and free Trackmaster past performance programs for all fans via its shenandoahdowns.com website. Free Tip Sheets from long time thoroughbred and harness handicapper Derby Bill Watson will be 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.

-edited release (Shenandoah Downs)