from RUS MidAtlantic

Upper Marlboro, MD — RUS MidAtlantic is pleased to release the schedule for 2018.

The RUS MidAtlantic Trotting Series consists of four races this year. The schedule, subject to change, is as follows: Saturday (June 23) — Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment; Sunday (July 15) — Ocean Downs; Sunday (Sept. 16) — Rosecroft; Sunday (Oct. 14) — Shenandoah Downs.

All races will be non-wagering events with an estimated purse of $5,000 per leg. Race conditions and qualifying standards are yet to be finalized; they will be posted on the RUS MidAtlantic website (www.rus-midatlantic.org ) and will be released in a future press release.

With July 15 being National Horse Day, the RUS contest will be the centerpiece of Ocean Downs’ special events to commemorate the day. Other activities planned are face painting, sketch artist, pony rides, and giving away stuffed horses. Along with Ocean Downs’ racing program, the day promises to be a great time for fans of all ages.

The Oct. 14 race at Shenandoah Downs marks RUS MidAtlantic’s first foray into Virginia. The race will be contested on the same day as the Virginia Breeders Fund finals are contested. The entire day’s races will be non-wagering.

Sponsorship opportunities for the 2018 RUS MidAtlantic Trotting Series are available at various levels. All sponsorship fees are used to fund purses. If interested in becoming a sponsor, you may reach out to RUS MidAtlantic President Stephanie Jacobs at stephaniej@rus-midatlantic.org or at fundraising@rus-midatlantic.org.

RUS MidAtlantic part of Spring Equine Festival

RUS MidAtlantic is proud to announce they will be offering a demonstration of racing under saddle at the Spring Equine Festival being hosted by Courageous Hearts Horsemanship (CHH) on April 21. CHH is a non-profit therapeutic riding and horsemanship program geared towards local children and adults with special abilities, needs, and gifts, as well as individuals and families that are battling or have survived cancer.

Admission is $5 per person (children 5 and under are admitted free) with all proceeds benefiting CHH. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is located at 8230 Detour Rd., Denton, MD 21629.

In addition, RUS MidAtlantic has two popular paint events scheduled in the coming weeks to benefit RUS MidAtlantic. On Wednesday (April 18), in conjunction with Village Arts, RUS MidAtlantic will be hosting a paint fundraiser starting at 7 p.m. at Rudy’s Café & Restaurant (at Knob Hill Country Lanes), 363 Route 33 East, Manalapan, N.J. The cost is $35 per person with food and full bar available for purchase. By the end of the evening, you will be going home with a 16” X 20” masterpiece with all supplies being provided. To sign-up, go to www.VillageArtsNJ.com (call 609.502.1674 for further information).

Our Paint & Sip program will be held on Sunday (April 29), starting at 3 p.m., making a return engagement to Main Street Café at 29 Commerce St., Harrington, Del., where last year’s event was well received. Post Time Show host Heather Vitale will be at the afternoon’s program. Main Street Café is a popular establishment operated by Beth Camac whose husband and daughter are local horsemen. The cost for the event will be $40 with an optional buffet available for an additional $16 (BYOB). For further information or to RSVP, contact Clarissa Coughlin at clarissac@rus-midatlantic.org.

RUS MidAtlantic is also conducting a Yankee Spring Candle Fundraiser. Those wishing to purchase Yankee Candles and other products are encouraged to go to: www.yankeecandlefundraising.com/FFentry.htm?publicKey=nNtPoYwqaaNvEVij6eVbvXvcVrGvoAyH.