Woodstock, VA – Shenandoah Downs will open its 11th season of pari-mutuel harness racing this Saturday (April 11) with an 11-race program beginning at 1:05 p.m.
The opener will celebrate driver/trainer Roger Hammer’s distinguished career, his impact on Virginia racing over two-plus decades and his 80th birthday as well — with a commemorative t-shirt giveaway and celebratory birthday cake. The Bedford, PA native will compete in races one, four and 10 on Saturday.
Featured race on the card is a $10,000 Open Handicap Pace in race 7 with seven entrants that have combined purse winnings of over $3.3 million. Dan Chansky’s Lou’s Starr, who has won eight times at Shenandoah Downs and is the 2-1 early favorite, will leave from outside post seven with Corey Braden in the bike. The 4-year-old Sweet Lou horse competed in the $500,000 Little Brown Jug final last September.
Gerry Longo’s Noblesville is second early choice at 5-2 and will depart from post six. The 5-year-old gelding pacer has bankrolled $655,883 from 17 wins in 76 career starts including a triumph in the $250,000 Indiana Sire Stakes final as a 3-year-old.
P T Stable’s Rebellious is third pick at 4-1 odds with William Carter in the sulky. The 12-year-old Bryson Dunning trainee has 88 career wins and is top earner in the field with $694,305.
John’s Dream, the winningest horse in Shenandoah Downs history — with 33 local victories — has the rail for owner/trainer/driver Chuck Perry. The 13-year-old gelding has 54 overall wins and $410,942 in earnings and is 10-1 in the morning line.
Others in the elite field include Cathy Dessert’s Imoutthedoor ($270,023), Steve Wetzel’s Sea Of Life ($430,052) and Joe Chinando’s Villiam ($509,749).
Opening weekend festivities continue Sunday (April 12) with an 11-race card at 1:05 p.m.
The seven-week campaign will continue every Saturday and Sunday afternoon through May 24. Shenandoah Downs’ simulcast signal is available to wager on via all major ADW outlets and many tracks/OTBs around the country. Free Trackmaster programs and Tip Sheets are available at shenandoahdowns.com.