by Ann Sigsby

Coleman, MI — Tuesday, June 19, saw two “firsts” for RUS, as separate heats for both trotters and pacers were contested at the Gladwin County Fair, and also as RUS was the fastest race of the day!

Sponsored by the Gladwin County Record, the trot led off the afternoon’s race card of Michigan Fair Condition (aka overnight) events. With just one entry, the $750 trot offered an excellent opportunity to explain racing under saddle and its origins to the grandstand audience. RUS newcomers Bring It Strong (11-year-old gelding by Royal Strength) and rider Sheena Scharff demonstrated how easy it is to ride Standardbreds in races, rounding the mile in 2:50.

Also sponsored by the Gladwin County Record, the $750 pace had five contestants go to the gate: Revais A (12-year-old mare by Sandman Hanover) ridden by Nadine Habke; Admiral’s Caddy (five-year-old gelding by Admiral’s Galley) ridden by Natalie Zabrzenski; Armbro Versailles (nine-year-old stallion by Artsplace) ridden by Chrissy Kennedy; Irish Soul (four-year-old gelding by Lotta Soul) ridden by Nicole McGeathy; and Letyourhairdown (six-year-old mare by Admiral’s Galley) ridden by Ann Sigsby.

Armbro Versailles fired out to the lead and never looked back, while the rest of the field battled for position, reaching the first quarter in :31.2. Admiral’s Caddy dogged the leader to the half in 1:03.1, followed by Revais A, Irish Soul and Letyourhairdown. By the three-quarter pole (1:35.4), the heavy track was having an effect on the field, as Armbro Versailles opened up his lead and Irish Soul and Letyourhairdown moved into the third and fourth positions.

Armbro Versailles took the victory in 2:08 by seven lengths over Admiral’s Caddy. Four lengths farther back were Irish Soul and Letyourhairdown, who were separated by just a half length. Revais A rounded out the race close behind.

The winners of both races also took home certificates for five free bags of Equine Feed from Nutrena, which is the RUS corporate season sponsor.

The doubleheader was well-received by the Gladwin audience, and we hope to return there next year. Our thanks go to the Gladwin County Record, the Gladwin County Fair Board, and race secretary Janet Whitmer.

In other news, the next Michigan RUS event will be July 24 at Holland during the Wolverine Futurity. Watch for more info via e-mail and on the RUS website.

Ohio is offering 3 RUS events this summer: July 28 at Northfield Park, purse TBA; Aug. 18 at Painesville (Lake Co. Fair), $500 added, $750 purse, $30 starting fee; Sept. 23 at Dover (Tuscarawas Co. Fair), $600 purse.

For more info, see the USTA Web site under “Outreach” and “Racing Under Saddle.”