Shenandoah prepares to host “Own a Horse for a Day” contest

(WOODSTOCK, VA — 8/22/2024) —- As Shenandoah Downs prepares for its September 14 harness racing season opener in Woodstock, fans will have a chance to win their share of a $5,250 purse in the popular Virginia Harness Horse Association’s (VHHA) “Own a Horse for a Day” contest on opening weekend.

Eight contestants will be selected in advance of the meet and compete for a top prize of $2,625 — 50% of the total purse. Second thru fifth place finishers will receive normal distributed portions of the purse as prize money — $1,312.50 (25%), $630.00 (12%), $420.00 (8%) and $262.50 (5%) — while contestants whose horse finishes sixth thru eighth will receive $100.

Fans can register several different ways. One name will be randomly selected at each of the four race days during the upcoming Shenandoah County Fair which runs from Wednesday August 28 thru Saturday August 31. Fans can fill out an entry each day and one name will be selected after the sixth race. A fifth name will be selected during the County Fair as well via a contesting at the Shenandoah Downs promotional booth in the main exhibit building.

Fans can also register thru a contest at Harrisonburg, Virginia radio stations WSIG and WSVA beginning next week. Details are at 969wsig.com and wsvaonline.com respectively. The final contestant will be chosen from a contest via the Shenandoah Downs Facebook page.

Two additional “Own a Horse for a Day” promotions will take place during the fall meet in Woodstock. Fans can register during the race weekends of September 21, 22 and October 12, 13. In all, a total of $15,750 will be distributed in prize money over the three contests. More details are at shenandoahdowns.com.

by Darrell Wood, for Shenandoah Downs