By Michael Carter, for Shenandoah County Fair

Woodstock, VA — The stands were packed tight for the return of racing to the Shenandoah County Fair in its 97th season. Nine races were held on what was a lightning fast track all afternoon.

Local driver Scott Woogen took the opening race with Luck Dynasty (Impel Hanover-Diamonds For Julie). Lucky Dynasty was a very lightly raced horse before coming to the fair, racing at Ocean Downs in Maryland. The colt took the last turn wide not once, but twice and still cruised to victory. Final time of the race was 2:24.2.

One of the more exciting races was in race three where Mr Express coming from the C-2 Class at Ocean Downs Putnams Art battled gamely. Driver William Carter tried to go to the lead and really had to battle in a race that was won by Mr Express in 2:01 flat. In the 2nd heat, Putnams Art got his revenge and cruised home to defeat Mr Express by a length in the days fastest mile (2:00.4).

Tug River Man (Malabar Man-Maija K) had about a month off before coming to Shenandoah and showed a ton of promise in the afternoon’s fastest trot. Betsy Brown tipped outside at the 3/8 marker and had to battle Stylish Image coming down the lane, but got by in the final 1/16 in 2:03.4.

Racing returns to the Shenandoah County Fair tomorrow with a first race post of 1 P.M.

The Entry box for Saturday is still open and closes on Thursday at 11 A.M. To find the condition sheet for Saturday use the following link: http://xwebapp.ustrotting.com/absolutenm/pdf/Race_Program_2014.pdf.