The first game of the Shenandoah season is scheduled to take place on Saturday

Shenandoah Downs kicks off its ninth season of pari-mutuel harness racing this weekend in Woodstock, Virginia.

Situated in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, the racecourse will hold two sets of seven-week events this year – a spring session spanning from April 6 to May 19 and a fall session from September 14 to October 27. Every Saturday and Sunday at 1:05 p.m., there is an exciting racing event. However, there are two special occasions where the schedule differs. On May 4, which is Kentucky Derby Day, and on May 18, which is Preakness Day, the first post is at 2:05 p.m.

On opening day, there will be a special treat for the first 500 fans who enter the gate - a commemorative t-shirt giveaway. But that's not all! The first 200 fans will also be delighted to receive a bonus complimentary baseball cap, courtesy of Standing Stallions. This Sunday, an additional 200 caps will be distributed, and concession deals will feature $1 hot dogs and $2 canned beer. Eight fortunate individuals who entered via social media contesting will have the opportunity to experience the thrill of "Owning a Horse for a Day" and have the chance to win a portion of a generous $5,250 prize.