Former Virginia Harness Horsemen's Association "Own a Horse for a Day" promotional contest winner and local resident Steve Wetzel, now a bona fide harness racing owner and trainer, soared to the top of the trainer standings over the weekend at Shenandoah Downs.

Wetzel entered the weekend with four wins and followed up with a pair each day. On Saturday, May 10, he connected with Rocket Mac (1:54) and Sea Of Life, who triggered the fastest mile of the weekend -- a 1:53 effort in the $13,889 featured Winners Over Pace. On Sunday, May 11, he prevailed with Defriended (1:59) and Dapplesrsweet (1:56). After six race days, his win total stands at eight.    

Wetzel was a cattle farmer in 2021 when he entered an "Own a Horse for a Day" promotion during a harness racing card at the Shenandoah County Fair. His name was drawn that day and he returned to participate in the contest race itself during Shenandoah Downs' opening weekend program two weeks later. Wetzel's contest horse finished first, good for a $2,000 USD payday, and from that point, he was all in on harness racing.

Wetzel purchased a farm within several miles of the track in Woodstock, Virginia, learned about the sport in the coming months, began acquiring horses and even got his trainer's license. And now, he is the leading trainer at his home track.

Bryon Dunning sits next with six wins, including a pair he recorded over the weekend with Amna and Bettor Be Oscar A. Conditioners Tracy Bradshaw and Oscar Johnson both had three-win weekends to move into a tie for third place in the standings. The former scored with Choices Honor, Joan Deer and Mr Big Check while the latter reached the winner's circle with Rock of Angels, Rocket Party and K J Messenger.

Christian Myers scored his first career driving triple on Saturday when he directed Rock of Angels, Rocket Mac and Joan Deer to victories. He followed with a win aboard Rocket Party on Sunday and pulled into a third-place tie with his brother, 21-year-old Lucas Myers, who had a pair over the weekend, with six wins apiece. William Carter leads the way with nine wins and Fern Paquet Jr. is second with seven.

Shenandoah Downs continues its spring season with cards this coming Saturday, May 17 at 3:05 p.m. and Sunday, May 18 at 1:05 p.m. Entries for both cards are due by Wednesday at 9 a.m. The seven-week campaign continues through June 7.

(With files from Shenandoah Downs; photo of Steve Wetzel with his wife Nicole)