Shenandoah Downs honors Rutherford memory

Woodstock, VA…Oct. 18, 2024…Shenandoah Downs has carded a huge 14 race stakes-laden harness racing program for Saturday, October 19, with Racing Secretary Dee Lineweaver focusing on honoring the memory of Cathy Rutherford.

Rutherford, 58, succumbed to breast cancer on September 28 after a valiant battle with the disease with Lineweaver remembering her contributions to the track saying, “There are no adequate words to describe Cathy. She was an amazing addition to our organization who gave others inspiration with her beautiful soul.

“Her passing leaves a deep void here and we will remember her forever, but, first, on Saturday as we present our very own “Pink Power Day.”

A quintet of the leading women drivers will compete in the event with Stacey McLenaghan, Betsy Brown, Alexandria Golden, Veronica Merton and Sierra Seidner all competing in honoring their great friend.

Cathy Rutherford, herself, had quite a career in harness racing as both a trainer and driver having 109 training wins and 203 driving wins.

About this “Pink Power Race For the Cure,” Stacey McLenaghan said, “I am so pleased to be in this event honoring Cathy. She was a great paddock judge here for many years and went beyond ‘lengths’ to help us horsemen and women that race here. She was a blessing to all of us and we miss her spirit and great nature.”

Pacing Secretary Lineweaaver has also carded two United States amateur Drivers Club (USHDC) events enabling the track to make a $2,000 donation to the Shenandoah Valley Chapter of the American Cancer Society.

There will also be “50-50” drawing and a Booze Wagon Raffle with proceeds also going the “Chapter,” as well.

Lineweaver added, “The USHDC members donate every single dollar earned from driving in these events for charitable causes enabling these contributions and our ‘partnership’ to help our surrounding communities and further enhance the reputation of our great sport.”

Racing continues at Shenandoah Downs through October 27.

For complete race entries, click here: US Trotting entries.

by John Berry, for Shenandoah Downs