Woodstock, VA — Weekend number three of the annual fall harness racing season at Shenandoah Downs continues this coming Friday (Sept. 27) at 3:30 p.m. and Saturday (Sept. 28) at 2 p.m.

Fans in the Valley can watch and wager on 11 races Friday and another batch Saturday at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds in Woodstock and enjoy free parking and free admission.

The new Friday Happy Hour race programs, which run from 3:30-6:30 p.m., feature $1 draft beers, $1 hot dogs and post-race karaoke.

Saturday’s race program includes a first time event — the inaugural Wiener Dog Derby. After the last horse race of the afternoon, a series of wiener dog races will take place on the track area in front of the grandstand. Dachshunds will compete in elimination races and a championship. This event draws large crowds to tracks around the country and will be held in Woodstock for the first time. There is still time to register your dog — e-mail drrllwd@hotmail.com for details.

Betting is available on all races at either manned teller windows or at self betting terminals. Traditional $2 win, place and show bets can be placed in addition to a $1 exacta, 50-cent trifecta and 10-cent superfecta wager. How to Bet brochures are available as are free tip sheets. Betting is open to fans 18 years of age and older.

Shenandoah Downs is located halfway between Winchester and Harrisonburg at Exit 283 off I-81. Details are at www.shenandoahdowns.com.