by Ann Sigsby

Coleman, MI — The popular exhibition sport of racing Standardbred horses under saddle will be featured at Northville Downs harness racetrack for the third consecutive year on Friday, November 2. The purse for this contest has a minimum value of $750 and is graciously provided by a group of harness racing owners, trainers and race fans.

Standardbred horses are traditionally raced in harness, pulling a sulky with a driver. Racing under saddle (RUS) is an exciting but seldom used alternative method of racing trotters and pacers that dates back to the 1800s. Michigan currently has one of the country’s most active RUS programs, which operates on a grass-roots level. Racing harness horses under saddle also demonstrates the breed’s versatility and athletic ability in non-traditional uses. Their calm disposition makes Standardbreds an excellent choice for family horses, trail riding and showing.

For the past three years, the final race of the RUS season has taken place at Northville Downs, deciding close contests for the year’s champions. Horses and riders are awarded points based on the order of finish in each race. At the end of the season, the horse and rider with the most points are honored as the season’s champions. One horse and one rider are honored individually, as riders are not restricted to riding the same horse all season.

The current point leaders are Nicole McGeathy, leading Ann Sigsby by two points, and the 6-year-old Admiral’s Galley gelding Admiral’s Caddy, owned by Kris Konesko of Birch Run, with a seven-point lead over Letyourhairdown, a 5-year-old Admiral’s Galley mare owned by John James Izzo of Saginaw.

The 2007 RUS season began in June, with races contested at Gladwin, Holland, Fowlerville, Midland and Harrison.

Michigan’s RUS program is wholly self-supporting, administered by volunteers, with race sponsors donating prizes in return for promotions as arranged. Michigan RUS receives no funding from the State of Michigan or any horse organization. Race sponsorships provide funds for prizes that are awarded in lieu of cash. Sponsors can be businesses, individuals or groups. Please direct inquiries to the contacts listed below.

RUS welcomes adult riders from any breed of horses. The rider’s skills can be verified either through demonstration or being vouched for.

For more information, visit the RUS Web site at http://undersaddle.us.

Contacts: Ann Sigsby (989) 465-1583 or Kris Konkesko (989) 624-0784.