Virginia Equine Alliance opens New Shenandoah Downs Barn * The Racing Biz

The Virginia Equine Alliance (VEA) celebrated the opening of its new $ 2 million Multi-use barn on Friday 5 September with a ribbon cut at Shenandoah Downs. The 165-Stall facility represents the newest chapter in Virginia’s Harness Racing Story, a characterized by resilience, investment and community spirit.

More Than 100 Guests Gathered for the Celebration, Where Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matt Lohr, Sen. Timmy French, R-Woodstock, Shenandoah County Fair President Allen Gochenour, Virginia Harness Horse Association President Scott Woogen, and VEA Executive director Jannum Spoke About The Barn’s Lasting Impact.

Harness racing has been part of the story of Virginia for more than a century, with races on the Shenandoah County Fair for 108 consecutive years.

In 2016, the VEA collaborated with the Shenandoah County Fair Association to bring Pari -Mutuel Harness Racing to Woodstock and invested $ 800,000 to transform half miles from the stock market into an ultramodern track that meets the United States Association (USTA). The improvements launched a new era at Shenandoah Downs, which initially grew from five weeks of Valraces to a combined 14-week spring and fall races annually. This year the tenth anniversary of racing of Pari-Mutuel Harness in Woodstock and a continuation of more than a century tradition in Shenandoah County.

“The investment of the VEA in this new barn emphasizes the strong growth and momentum of harness races in Virginia, but more importantly, it offers a safe stable area for horses based on the site and the train every day,” said Hannum.

“This project is an obligation for the region, the local economy and the future of harness races in Virginia,” Gochenour added. “The new barn is a win-win situation for the VEA and the Harness Horsemen that compete here, and the Shenandoah County Fair.”

“The investment for the new barn at Shenandoah Downs is a clear example of how the income from the Historical Horse Racing (HHR) law is re -invested to strengthen Virginia’s harness racing industry,” Lohr noted. “These funds help us to maintain a rich tradition, support our riders and create new growth opportunities that will bring these sport forward for generations.”

In addition to racing, the Dual-Purphose barn will be housing throughout the year during the Shenandoah County Fair and other agricultural events. Construction started in the winter of 2024 as part of an investment of $ 2 million by the VEA to guarantee a safe, modern environment for horses and to expand opportunities for the wider community.

The autumn meeting of 2025 on Shenandoah Downs runs from September 13 – October 26 with racing every Saturday and Sunday at 1:05 pm Meet details are available on Shenandoahdowns.com.