USHDC events held at Shenandoah

Woodstock, VA…May 5, 2024…Harness racing’s Shenandoah Downs featured the United States Harness Drivers Club (USHDC) in their Daily Double on Saturday, May 4 with the “MC’s” (Masters of Ceremonies) belonging to Jack McNeil and Stacey McLenaghan in their respective harness racing events—both “Mc’s.”

McNeil and the eight-year-old gelding I’ve Got Hootspa (Sportswriter) teamed up in the opener to roar by the competition with an explosive stretch drive to win by 2 1/2 lengths on a track labeled “GD” in 1:59, collaring the leader Weona Sizzler A (Better’s Delight), handled by Veronica Merton, once they straightened away for the drive home.

Into The Night (Santanna Blue Chip) was next for Kevin Altig while So Take That, with Alexandra Goldin was fourth,

Morgans All In, driven by Stacey McLenaghan, picked up the nickel after recovering from a miscue at the start.

This was a well contested event from start to finish as Weona Sizzler A burst off the wings to take charge from a well-placed Granttwentythree early —these two sprinting away early after a first panel in :28.3

As the field tightened up during the nest half mile—the half in :58.3—by the time they reached the third station in 1:29.2, Granttwentythree was looking Weoba Sizzle A in the eye with the recovering Morgans All in on a double move on even terms with the ground saving Into The Night with So Take That between the two.

At this stage, I’ve Got Hootspa was last but ready to make his devastating rally to the winner’s circle, which he did with a :29 finale.

For the winner, trained by Jack McNeil for Ben McNeil, it was his first this semester and the third biggest payday in his 153-race career—his lifetime earnings now at $104.629.

As for McNeil, known for his training prowess since 2007, it was his 10th career win, taking just an occasional trip in the sulky over the past two seasons.

The winner paid $14,00 as fourth choice in the betting.

Stacey McLenaghan completed the early Daily Double at Woodstock by putting her own five-year-old gelding Etbaur (Captaintreacherous) right on top from her outside post and clocking panels of 27.2, :56.2 and 1:26 before holding on for dear life late to score in 1:56.1 by a neck over the fastest closing Kimani N  (Bettor’s Delight), driven by Veronica Merton.

Need Arocket (Warrawee Needy), with Jack McNeil handling the lines, was third while Righthererightnow, with Scott Woogen in the bike, was fourth after being hung out to dry like wet laundry the entire route.

KK’s Dream Girl, driven by Kevin Altig, was fifth after a tough journey after a slow start.

For Etbauer, a recent addition to the McLenaghan Stable, it was his second win in a row—second this year, too, and sent his career bounty to $88,642.

McLenaghan also had a driving double on the program with Hey Siri (Rockin Image) and nudged her UDRS for the year to .378 with her 10-3-7 scorecard in 37 starts driving. She now has 52 driving successes and it one win away from 400 training wins.

Etbauer returned: $4.60 to his multitude of faithful.

Both McNeil and McLenaghen, along with all other USHDC members, donate all of their earnings from driving in amateur races earmarked for charitable distribution to worthy causes from horse aftercare and retirement to therapeutics benefitting those in need from traumatic issues in life.

The USHDC has donated over $300,000 to thesis causes since its inception with more donation planned for the near future.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting Results

by John Berry, for the USHDC