from RUS NY

Milford, NY — The excitement of racing under saddle at New York State county fairs will continue this summer.

RUS New York, an organization that helps promote the sport and the versatility of Standardbreds, is excited to announce its fourth fair series. Races will begin on July 6 at the Afton Fair and conclude with the final to be held at Saratoga Casino and Hotel Sept. 15.

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.

Official dates and locations for the series are as follows:

Thursday (July 6) — Afton Fair
Tuesday (July 18) — “Little World’s Fair” in Hemlock
Tuesday (July 25) — Oneida County in Boonville
Monday (July 31) — Schoharie County Fair in Cobleskill
Wednesday (Aug. 2) — Tioga County in Owego
Wednesday (Aug. 9) — Oswego County in Sandy Creek
Monday (Aug. 14) — Wayne County in Palmyra
Tuesday (Aug. 15) — Steuben County in Bath
Tuesday (Aug. 22) — Tompkins County in Trumansburg
Friday (Sept. 15) — Fair Final at Saratoga Casino and Hotel

RUS is yet to be self sufficient in the United States particularly because of legislation that prohibits wagering. Hopefully one day that will change. But until then, finding sponsors and ways to fundraise has been the biggest challenge going forward.

The series’ flagship sponsor, the New York Sire Stakes, has generously donated $5,000 as initial purse money. This year, the goal is to have a purse of $750 or more per fair. Members of RUS New York are working hard and have held several fundraisers with more planned for the future. RUS New York is currently looking for sponsors and 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. A PayPal account has also been set up where people can make secure donations.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.rus-newyork.com/become-a-sponsor.html.

Last season the fair series included 12 races at nine fairs across the state, a race at Saratoga Casino and Hotel and a final at Batavia Downs. RUS NY will be coordinating a race (separate from the fair series) scheduled for Saturday (Sept. 9). More details will be released closer to the event.