from RUS NY

Get ready for another year of racing under saddle at county fairs throughout New York State.

RUS NY, an organization that helps promote the sport and the versatility of Standardbreds, is excited to announce its second fair series with even more races than last year. The series will include nine race legs and a championship final race, with points earned along the way to determine final entries.

A High Point Rider Award will once again be presented at the final to the rider who has earned the most points, regardless of horse(s) ridden throughout the series. The series will begin July 1 in Sandy Creek at the Oswego County Fair and conclude with the final at Monticello Raceway on Sept. 2.

The series’ flagship sponsor, the New York Sire Stakes, has generously donated $5,000 as initial purse money. RUS NY will be offering additional sponsorship opportunities. Sponsorship information will be added to the RUS NY website, http://rus-newyork.com, soon. In the meantime, contact the group’s head of fundraising and sponsorships Jocelyn Gale at galestables@yahoo.com or 315.250.7402 for more information.

Rules and regulations for the series will also be posted on the website soon.

Official dates and locations for the series are as follows:

• Wednesday, July 1 – Oswego County in Sandy Creek
• Tuesday, July 7 – Tioga County in Owego
• Thursday, July 9 – Afton Fair
• Tuesday, July 21 – “Little World’s Fair” in Hemlock
• Tuesday, Aug. 4 – Otsego County in Morris
• Monday, Aug. 10 – Wayne County in Palmyra
• Wednesday, Aug. 12 – Franklin County in Malone
• Tuesday, Aug. 18 – Steuben County in Bath
• Tuesday, Aug. 25 – Tompkins County in Trumansburg
• Wednesday, Sept. 2- Final race to be included with the harness race fair finals at Monticello Raceway

*Goshen Historic Track will be hosting a RUS race on Sunday (July 5). Riders and horses that participate will earn points accordingly.

Last season the fair series featured six legs and a championship final race. Eleven horses participated in the series with seven qualifying to race in the final. Six horses competed to be named the first RUS NY Fair Series champion.

Excitement and participation heightened throughout the summer. By mid-season horses were split into two divisions, allowing fans to get to see more than one race at certain fairs.

The RUS NY Committee would like to get some idea of how many horses/riders might be interested in participating this year so plans can be made accordingly. It is recommended to become a member of the RUS NY group to participate. There is no fee to be a member. For more information, contact RUS NY President Michelle Miller at mnmiller84@gmail.com.

RUS NY is also in the process of working with some pari-mutuel tracks on hosting races/series. Dates will be announced as they are available.

To keep up on RUS NY happenings follow the group on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr:
• Facebook.com/RUSNYSeries
• Twitter.com/RUS_NewYork
• RUSNewYork.Tumblr.com