Woodstock, Virginia— Both harness racing drivers Scott Woogen and Betsy Brown tried to cut into driver Billy Carter’s lead on Thursday at the Shenandoah County Fair.
In the 1st of eight races, Lotto Jet broke her maiden after going right to the lead early on. While leading Que Sera Sera up the back stretch, the three trailers broke behind them. Via Veneto made up 9 lengths at the ¾ pool was guided to the outside by Scott Woogen and he made one last lunge, but just could not get up in time just missing at the wire. Lotto Ticket, a daughter of Muscle Mass is trained by Betsy Brown and driven by Alvin Lineweaver.
After the opener the skies opened up and conditions outside made it not possible to race for about a ½ hour. Once the rain let up the track crew worked on the track and racing resumed.
Sandhurst had a very good day, but by no means was it easy for him. When the gates opened in the 1st heat Sandhurt sat back off the pace and that allowed Early Storm and I’m A Royal Wigam to go to the lead. When the field moved to the backstretch for the final time Sandhurst circled up and around I’m A Royal Wigwam and the only horse left to take over was Early Storm. Turning for home William Carter guided the gelding by Dragon Again to the lead and never looked back. Sandhurst is owned by Leon Harris and trained by Leon Harris.
The fastest trotting event on the day was in the 3rd race when Sun Chimes (Betsy Brown) scored in the Open Trot. The gelding by Great George Two went to the lead early and opened up on the field, but going up the backstretch the first time Stylish Image applied a lot of pressure. Stylish Image pressured him until they reach the far turn when Pixel Queen tipped out three wide. Pixel Queen was able to circle around Stylish Image, but just could not get by Sun Chimes who won both of the trotting heats on the day.
Live racing returns to the Shenandoah County Fair on Friday where there are six races and on Saturday there are ten races.
By Michael Carter, for the Shenandoah County Fair