from the Virginia Harness Horse Association

Woodstock, VA — The Virginia Harness Horse Association would like to invite all Standardbred horsemen to attend the inaugural race meet at the newly renovated Shenandoah Downs, (formerly known as Woodstock) in northwestern Virginia.

The track and grounds have been completely renovated. The half-mile track has been widened to accommodate eight horses with banked turns and there are stables for more than 100 horses.

With the demise of Colonial Downs after our 2014 race meet the VHHA board made a commitment to continue racing and grow our industry in Virginia. In 2015 we were only able to secure four days of racing at Oakridge while we were looking for a more permanent home. With the cooperation of the Shenandoah County Fair, the Virginia Equine Alliance and the Virginia Harness Horsemen’s Association we have been able to secure a five-year lease with three five-year options at Shenandoah Downs.

Racing in 2016 (subject to the approval of the Virginia Racing Commission) will be 10 days in September and October. Racing will be on Saturday and Sunday starting Sept. 10 and ending Oct. 9 with a purse average of $50,000 per day.

Please visit our website or the new website at Shenandoah Downs for updates and more information.

Please become a member of the VHHA and help support our efforts to grow and expand the number of race dates in future years.

There are plans to expand the eligibility rules for Virginia-breds to encourage greater participation by Virginia residents.
We are continually growing and need your support, please feel free to contact us for more information.

Stall applications are on the VHHA website and we will post condition sheets as soon as they are available.