The Virginia Harness Horse Association would like to invite all Standardbred horsepeople to attend the inaugural race meet at the newly renovated Shenandoah Downs, formerly known as Woodstock, in northwestern Virginia.

The track and grounds have been completely renovated. The half-mile track has been widened to accommodate eight horses with banked turns and there are stables for more than 100 horses.

With the demise of Colonial Downs after the 2014 race meet, the VHHA board made a commitment to continue racing and grow its industry in Virginia. In 2015, the VHHA was only able to secure four days of racing at Oakridge while it was looking for a more permanent home. With the cooperation of the Shenandoah County Fair, the Virginia Equine Alliance and the VHHA, a five-year lease has been secured with three five-year options at Shenandoah Downs.

Racing in 2016 – subject to the approval of the Virginia Racing Commission – will be 10 days in September and October. Racing will be on Saturday and Sunday starting September 10 and ending October 9 with a purse average of $50,000 per day.

There are plans to expand the eligibility rules for Virginia-breds to encourage greater participation by Virginia residents.

The VHHA is continually growing and needs your support, so please feel free to contact them for more information.

Stall applications are on the VHHA website (vhha.net) and the group will post condition sheets as soon as they are available.

(With files from the VHHA)