from RUS NY

The excitement of racing under saddle at New York State county fairs will begin in less than a week.

Races will begin on Tuesday (July 5) with the H.S. Mead Memorial at the Tioga County Fair in Owego and conclude with the final at Batavia Downs on Sept. 7.

The series includes nine race legs and a championship final race, with points earned along the way to determine final entries. Horses need at least two starts to be eligible for the final. 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. Complete rules and regulations are posted on the RUS NY webpage at www.Rus-Newyork.com.

There will be a $10 entry fee (to be paid at the fair) for each of the nine legs of the RUS NY 2016 Fair Series races. There will be no fee for the final as horses earn their way into that race.

All entries will be taken by our non-rider entry clerk, Hannah Miller, unless otherwise stated. Please call or text entries to her at 607.316.8268. If a text is not sent back confirming the entry assume it did not get received and please call. For race and entry dates please visit www.rus-newyork.com/fair-dates.html.

Riders must have at least two charted lines (one staying flat in the time needed to race) each year to participate in RUS NY events. This is to ensure fitness and safety. There must be at least two horses behind the gate. Riders must also participate in at least two fundraisers or raise $100 in sponsors to participate.

The following forms are required before any horse can race: W-9, Purse Authorization and Rider Waiver. These forms can be downloaded and printed at www.rus-newyork.com/rules-regulations.html.

Horses used in the RUS NY 2016 Fair Series must qualify behind a starting gate under saddle and show a clean charted line in 2:20 or faster on a half-mile track or larger. All horses must be trotters registered with either the United States Trotting Association or Standardbred Canada in the name of the current owner. No horse younger than the age of 3 shall be eligible to start, however horses older than 14 will be permitted. Fairs require coggins and rabies certificates to be brought to each race. Please visit www.rus-newyork.com/fair-conditions.html for the fair conditions as they include pertinent information such as cancelation policies and much more.

RUS New York would like to thank its generous sponsors because without them there would be no series. The series’ flagship sponsor, the New York Sire Stakes, generously donated $5,000 as initial purse money. Gold Sponsors (donating $500 or more in funds) include Advantage Edge Equine-Pro, Morrisville State College and Jeff Gural. Those donating $100 or more in funds or services include Leatherstocking Veterinary Group, Lakeview Equine, Early Owego Antique Center, Equine Supply Trading, Oneida Veterinary Associates, Shawn Garland, Barb & Rick Bateman Trucking and Hoof Beats magazine. Those donating product for fundraising or prizes include Divine Equine, New York Central Mutual Insurance, Golden Gro., Co., Carhart’s Harness Shop, Jack’s Turf Goods, Advantage Edge Equine-Pro and Artist Michelle Casson (Hogan).

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. Visit www.rus-newyork.com/sponsorship-fundraising.html for a link to donate.

It is too late to get in all programs, but it is not too late to become a sponsor. This year, RUS NY sponsors will get more recognition than ever before. Instead of separating sponsors by each race or series, maximum exposure will be provided by including all sponsors in all forms of promotion that the group does throughout the season. A $500 or more sponsorship will get extra recognition on the RUS NY web homepage.

RUS NY was formed in early 2014 to assist with the organization and management of series and races across the state. The main goal is to promote RUS as a sport, increase interest in Standardbred racing, and showcase the versatility of the Standardbred breed. Racing Under Saddle (RUS) is a hybrid between harness racing and Thoroughbred racing.

RUS New York is continuously adding races at pari-mutuel tracks. Please visit www.rus-newyork.com/parimutuel-tracks.html for updates.