by Michael Carter, for the Shenandoah County Fair

Woodstock, VA — The final day of the Shenandoah County Fair harness races were the most exciting races as they normally are on the final day of racing. Betsy Brown proved the hometown favorites were still a force to be reckoned with, while driver Billy Carter cruised to a driving title.

During the week Carter won 13 races, leaving everyone else in the wake of his wrath. He drove all week for trainer Leon Harris and picked up at least three wins a day to secure the driving title. On the final day of racing Carter won five races and made most of them look easy.

Two of Carter’s wins came behind Prince Of Badlands (Badlands Hanover-Nordic Princess), who defeated the champion Tarver Hanover just a couple days prior. In both heats Prince Of Badlands set back off some very hot early contested fractions set by Mr Express (Roy Dinges). When Prince Of Badlands made his move he just glided to victory without looking back.

In other action at the fair Xiao Wang narrowly defeated Sun Chimes in the final strides of heat number one (race four) in 2:07.3. Sun Chimes had the lead and just could not hold off a fast charging Xiao Wang.

In the second of the heats (race 10) Sun Chimes got his revenge, going right to the lead for trainer/driver Betsy Brown and really dug in at the top of the stretch. Xiao Wang (Billy Carter) was trying his best to get to him at the line, but just couldn’t get there in 2:05.3.

Terry Kibler, president of the Shenandoah County Fair, said, “I was very pleased with the racing this year. It’s always a ton of fun to listen to the crowd when the field turns for home and the roar from the crowd is just exhilarating.”

Racing comes back to the Shenandoah oval in May for the Wine and Trotter festival for its third season. When that date is released it will be given out. Until then, racing continues during the fair next year, which is typically held the last week in August.