The excitement of racing under saddle at New York State county fairs will return this season.

Committee members of RUS New York, an organization that helps promote the sport and the versatility of Standardbreds, are excited to announce racing will be back after going on a year hiatus because of the pandemic. Races are scheduled to begin on Thursday (July 8) at Afton Fair with a fair final set at Goshen Historic Track on Sunday (Sept. 5), pending funding.

According to the group’s treasurer, Michelle Miller, RUS NY has committed to funding eight races at county fairs so that much is guaranteed as long as there are horses and riders to fill the box. She said she is hopeful that the series’ past flagship sponsor, The New York Sire Stakes, will pull through with some grant funds to ensure a full series.

RUS NY President Cathy Gearwar said horses and riders will still accumulate points earned along the way and awards will be given regardless if there is a final or not. According to race conditions, horses and riders will need to participate in at least three races to qualify for awards. That is the same number of races required to qualify for the final, if one is held.

Each race will go for a purse of $1,000 unless split up into more than one division. Purse distribution will be done a little differently this year. All participants will earn $100 each and the remaining purse funds will be distributed based on a percentage of starters like in the past. Fair rules and conditions can be found here.

Also new this year, pacers may participate in the races. Pacers may be assigned post positions if races cannot be divided by gait.

Most entries will be taken five days before the race (omitting Sundays) to have them ready for programming to avoid any issues. The group handles RUS entries so do not try to call the hotline. More information on entries will be announced soon.

Fundraising is required to partake in the series. Please visit here for more details. Fair qualifying requirements have also changed and can be found with the same link.

Official dates and locations for the races are as follows:

Thursday, July 8 — Afton Fair (noon post)
Thursday, July 15 — Genesee County at Batavia (must have four entries) (12:30 p.m. post)
Tuesday, July 20 — “Little World’s Fair” in Hemlock (noon post)
Tuesday, July 27 — Oneida County in Boonville (11 a.m. post)
Tuesday, Aug. 3 — Otsego County Fair in Morris (noon post)
Sunday, Aug. 8 — Tioga County in Owego (noon post)
Tuesday, Aug. 10 — Schoharie County Sunshine Fair in Cobleskill (noon post)
Monday, Aug. 16 — Steuben County in Bath (noon post)
Friday, Aug. 20 — Madison County in Morrisville (10 a.m. post)
Tuesday, Aug. 24 — Tompkins County in Trumansburg (noon post)

RUS New York is still accepting sponsorships. The sooner one gets on board the more exposure one will get. For as little as $200, sponsors will be put in all fair race programs. Please contact Gearwar at fourgears@shoreham.net or call 802.537.2145 for more information.

Other ways to support the group is through providing donations such as tickets to places and events, gift certificates, gift baskets and other items that can be used to raise money at various fundraising events.