by Charlene Sharpe, USTA Web Newsroom Senior Correspondent

Ft. Washington, MD — A field of six trotters competed in Rosecroft Raceway’s first-ever Racing Under Saddle event on Saturday (Oct. 25).

The non-betting event, held after Rosecroft’s third race, attracted horses and riders from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

Charlene Sharpe photo

Tina Duer and Chinese Cuisine were the winners in a time of 1:59.2.

When the gate folded Tina Duer and Chinese Cuisine (Revenue S-Missysmadarine) left from post three to take command early, setting fractions of :28.4, :58.4, and 1:28.1 before crossing the wire first in 1:59.2.

Flowing James, ridden by Tara Hynes, finished second while Pointe Of Honour finished third for Jenny Melander. Rider Faith Stacy, steering Mr Potato Spud, was unseated after losing her stirrups at the three-quarter pole but was reported to be OK after the race.

Spectators in the grandstand, several in attendance just to see the RUS event, were excited to see a different sort of Standardbred race. Kathleen Tabor of Maryland’s Horse Industry Board was one of those.

“The Maryland Horse Industry Board is very supportive of all aspects of racing,” Tabor said. “Racing Under Saddle is an exciting new addition to that ticket. Personally I’m thrilled and excited to watch such an exhibition and hope it becomes a regular activity in Maryland.”