Racing applications for the upcoming spring harness racing season at Virginia's Shenandoah Downs are now available online and are due to the racing office by March 2.

 A seven-week meet will run from April 6 to May 19 with racing scheduled every Saturday and Sunday at 1:05 p.m. First post on May 4 (Kentucky Derby Day) and May 18 (Preakness Day) will be at 2:05 p.m. More than $1 million USD in purse money will be distributed over the 14 race days. Four races -- at a $25,000 USD purse level -- will be conducted for Virginia-Certified four and five-year-old horses on April 27.   

Racing applications can be submitted online this year for the first time and can be accessed on shenandoahdowns.com under the "Horsemen" header. More information is available by calling 540-459-4807 or by e-mailing [email protected]. 

The track is conveniently located at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds off I-81 at Exit 283 in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, halfway between Winchester and Harrisonburg.   

In addition to the spring campaign, a four-day non-wagering meet will take place at the same site from Aug. 28-31 during the Shenandoah County Fair. Post time each day is 12 noon. The ninth annual fall pari-mutuel meet will follow and extend from Sept. 14 to Oct. 27. All races are streamed live at shenandoahdowns.com and wagering is available via all major ADWs and tracks/OTBs.

(Shenandoah Downs)