Officers Named To RUS NY Management Committee

Officers and directors have been selected to 2019 RUS New York Management Committee.

Michelle Miller will be stepping back in the lead role as President of the organization with the help of non-rider David Fisher as Vice President. Fisher has 35 years in the standardbred industry dealing with all aspects from a groom to an owner, trainer, driver, farrier, tooth floater, investigator and judge.

“It is great having someone that does not ride take on a leadership role,” Miller said. “Fisher has great enthusiasm for the sport and wants to help see it succeed.”

Kara Duh will serve as the group’s secretary and take on membership responsibilities. Hannah Miller, a non-rider, will be the acting treasurer and clerk. Those accepting director roles on the committee include, Cathy Gearwar (also taking on director of sponsorship and website responsibilities) Sophie Engerran, Codie Smith and Hillary Hartnett. Directors commit to taking on at least one lead responsibility for the group and attending meetings either physically or via internet.

Duties of the those on the Management Committee shall be to:

• Provides leadership and strategic direction for the organization
• Ensures that an organization remains accountable to its donors and to the general public.
• Evaluate financial policies, approve annual budgets, and review periodic financial reports to ensure that the organization has the necessary resources to carry out its mission.
• To act as lesions to our members and represent their best interest when voting.
• Directors are expected to actively participate in organizational planning and decision-making and to make sound and informed judgments. When acting on behalf of the organization, directors must put the interests of the Group before any personal or professional concerns and avoid potential conflicts of interest.

Membership of RUS NY is open to any individual who supports the sport of Racing Under Saddle and is interested in helping the group to achieve its aim and willing to abide by the rules of the Group. Members do not need to be from New York but are encouraged to attend meetings, help fundraise and participate in discussions. Membership does not give the power to vote. The only time members get to vote is during the the Group’s Annual General Meeting to elect a Management Committee.

Benefits of membership:

• Networking opportunities and more racing opportunities
• Staying connected with what is going on - getting e-mails and updates (Members are responsible for keeping contact info up to date with the secretary)
• Members can sit on committees and help with proposals that will go in front of the Management Committee

Anybody interested in membership should email rusnewyorkseries@gmail.com.

The organization’s Management Committee must consist of a president, vice president, treasurer, secretary and at least three directors. The positions are voted on annually generally at an annual meeting.

RUS NY’s aim is to help organize and promote under saddle races for Standardbreds across the state. The main goal is to promote racing under saddle and the versatility of the Standardbred breed as both a racing and a riding horse - to help Standardbreds find great homes after they finish their days on the track.

To learn more, visit rus-newyork.com.

Vernon Downs To Host Racing Under Saddle Before Regular Post

Vernon Downs typically features horses racing in harness with a sulky and driver behind them. However, if fans get to the track early, they will be treated to something unique. 

Riders will be atop of the same horses that can be seen on a weekly basis racing in harness. Instead of being driven, the horses will be ridden at a full trot -  the Standardbred’s natural gate. 

Also known as Monte Racing, racing under saddle (RUS) is a hybrid between harness racing and thoroughbred racing. The non-wagering event will feature a field of five and be held at 6 p.m. right before the track’s regularly scheduled 6:10 p.m. post. 

Entries 

All participants will receive $400 as long as the horse finishes the race. The winner will also be presented a cooler sponsored by Triple Crown.  

The event is being brought to the track by RUS NY,  an organization that helps coordinate and promote under saddle races across the state. The organization has put on a fair series for the past five years and was officially formed in early 2014. The main goal is to promote the unique sport, educate about the versatility of the Standardbred breed as both a racing and a riding horse and to help Standardbreds find great homes after they finish their days on the track. 

Follow the group on Facebook, Twitter and via a blog at: 

• Facebook.com/RUSNYSeries
• Twitter.com/RUS_NewYork
• http://rus-newyork.blogspot.com

Racing could not continue without the generosity of sponsors because RUS is yet to become a wagering or self sufficient event. Those that have donated $200 or more include Monticello Raceway, The Meadowlands, Vernon Down, Tioga Downs, Batavia Downs, Saratoga Harness Horsemen's Association, The Mark Ford Stable, Advantage Edge Equine, Morrisville State College, Triple Crown, Pure Country Campgrounds, T&K Harrington LLC, The Equine Tax Group, Preserving Gods Creation Taxidermy, Beckwith Racing, Early Owego Antique Center, ROC The Standardbred and Triple R Equestrian Center. To see all all sponsors, view information on becoming a sponsor or to learn more about RUS visit RUS New York's website, rus-newyork.com.

Two RUS Events Planned This Weekend

The racing under saddle season will soon come to an end for the season, but before that happens, there will be two more races this weekend.

Vernon Downs will host a race Saturday and Saratoga Casino and Hotel will put on a race during their Sunday racing card.

Vernon conditions can be found at the following link https://docs.google.com/document/d/13YX-it00mMg_CQcfA5oYEl75iHVByWXaytdqihOebkY/edit?usp=sharing. The goal is to have horses racing between the times of 2:10 and 2:04.1.  The purse will be $2,500 divided evenly as long as there are 6 or more horses if there are less the purse may be lowered. Funds are coming directly from RUS NY. The winner will also be presented a cooler sponsored by Triple Crown. 

Saratoga conditions is a Free For All with horses having to show a charted line of 2:10 or better and have a charted line in harness or RUS within the last 30 days. The goal is to have horses that can compete in 2:04 and faster. The purse will be $500 per horse and is being generously donated by the Saratoga Harness Horsemen's Association. 

Entries for each track are currently online through the USTA. Be sure to change the gate to RUS trot. Entries for Vernon are due by Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 9 a.m. and Entries for Saratoga are due by Thursday, Oct. 11 by 9 a.m.

WHAT IS RACING UNDER SADDLE:

Also known as Monte Racing, RUS, is a hybrid between harness racing and thoroughbred racing. The sport consists of a rider atop a Standardbred (generally a trotter) in a saddle instead of pulling a sulky.  RUS is an exciting part of international standardbred racing and is conducted daily at most European tracks as part of their regular pari-mutuel wagering programs.

RUS NY is an organization that helps coordinate and promote under saddle races across the state. The main goal is to promote the unique sport,  educate about the versatility of the Standardbred breed as both a racing and a riding horse and to help Standardbreds find great homes after they finish their days on the track.

Racing could not continue without the generosity of sponsors because RUS is yet to become a wagering or self sufficient event. Those that have donated $200 or more include Monticello Raceway, The Meadowlands, Vernon Down, Tioga Downs, Batavia Downs, Saratoga Harness Horsemen's Association, The Mark Ford Stable, Advantage Edge Equine, Morrisville State College, Triple Crown, Pure Country Campgrounds, T&K Harrington LLC, The Equine Tax Group, Preserving Gods Creation Taxidermy, Beckwith Racing, Early Owego Antique Center, ROC The Standardbred and Triple R Equestrian Center. To see all all sponsors or learn more about RUS visit RUS New York's website, rus-newyork.com.

To keep up on RUS NY happenings follow the group on  Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr.

• Facebook.com/RUSNYSeries
• Twitter.com/RUS_NewYork
• http://rus-newyork.blogspot.com
• Rus-newyork.com

  
  

Monticello To Host Memorial RUS Event

Five horses will compete in the Elizabeth Miller Memorial Tuesday, Oct. 2 at Monticello Raceway.

Starting on the rail will be Hillary Hartnett and RC's Ready, a 3-year-old gelding son of RC Royalty. This will mark the duo's second racing under saddle start of the season. The pair posted a time of 2:07.4 in their first start at Batavia Downs.

In post No. 2 will be Vanessa Karlewicz and Flowing James. This pair were dominant in the RUS NY Fair Series this year winning every race entered.  The 13-year-old received the high point horse award and Karlewicz earned the high point rider award. Karlewicz and James placed second at the fair finals held in Monticello in a time of 2:06.2.


In post No. 3 will be Michelle Miller, granddaughter of Elizabeth. She will be riding her own co-owned  5-year-old gelding Railroad Lane.  The duo have been competing in RUS the last two years together. They posted a 2:07.4 mark in the Fair Series Final this year. Railroad Lane was the RUS NY Fair Series high point horse in 2017 and his fastest recorded time under saddle is a 2:05.0 mark at Tioga Downs last year. 

In post No. 4 will be Ashely Eldred and Better To Be Lucky. This will mark the first outing for the duo who recently qualified in 2:10 at Vernon Downs. 

In post No. 5 will be Sasha Moczulski and Iron Will. The 12-year-old is no stranger to racing under saddle but has always been ridden by Heather Reese in the past. Moczulski has ridden quite a few different horses including going to Canada this year and getting a catch drive in the fair final.


To learn more about Miller read some of her obituary:

PITTSFIELD — Elizabeth H. (Liz) Miller, 67, of Pittsfield, went to be with our Lord on Monday, Oct. 2, 2000.

She was born Feb. 26, 1933, in Oneonta, the daughter of James Averell Holl and Mary L. Wilson.

She was married to Lewis (Lukie) Miller on March 25, 1951, in New Berlin.

Liz was the cafeteria manager at the Morris Central School for 29 years which she enjoyed very much.

She was a lifelong resident of the New Berlin/Morris area, where she lived most of her life on the family dairy farm that she and her husband operated for nearly 50 years. She also worked and maintained the family's harness horses and the auction and feed store businesses.

She was an active part of the Otsego County Fair and secretary of the  N.Y.S. Sires Harness Racing Association for many years.

She was also a 25-year member of the Unadilla Grange and the Otsego County Pomona Grange.

Liz lighted the hearts of many and will be terribly missed.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years, Lukie Miller of Pittsfield; her children, Timothy L. Miller and his wife, Vicky, Terry L. Miller and his wife, Lisa, Lois Miller-Ballard and her husband, John, Wesley J. Miller and Mary Jane E. Conroe and her husband, Jeff, all of New Berlin.

She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, Everett (Flip) Hopper, Kevin S. Hopper, Melissa J. Hopper, Tonya M. Miller, Timothy L. Miller Jr., Michelle N. Miller, Sarah E. Conroe, Jessica L. Card, Luke M. Conroe, Merissa L. Card, Michael D. Miller, Matthew. J. Conroe and Makenzie L. Ballard; three sisters-in-law, Mildred I. Chase, Margaret Conklin and Ethel  White; and a brother-in-law, Donald Miller; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by a brother-in-law, Harley W. Miller; and a sister-in-law, Aleta Smith.

Key To Win Was 'Staying Flat'

(Photo Credits: Geri Schwarz ) The start of the racing under saddle final at Monticello Raceway. 

Rider Has Experience Riding In France

Staying flat was the main strategy for the winning rider of the 2018 RUS New York Fair Series Final. 

Not only was that goal met, but Sophie Engerran and her horse Funny Photo took the lead and stayed there until the very end- winning by 18 lengths. The duo’s winning time of 2:02.4 surpassed a 2:05.4 racing under saddle track record at Monticello Raceway previously held by Glorious Winner. 

“I let him go his own speed and he raced very well, I am very happy with him,” said Engerran after the race. 

A full field of seven stepped on the track to compete in what marked the fifth year of the series. This was the largest entry in recent history. 

The final was held in conjunction with the New York County Fair Harness Racing Finals September 6. Vanessa Karlewicz and Flowing James (PP3) went into the race undefeated at the fairs and finished second in a time of 2:06.2.  Cathy Carpenter Gearwar's Armbro Hall (PP1) was third crossing the finish in 2:07.1. The winner set the following fractions (30.3 1:01.3 1:32.1 2:02.4) and had total command of the race. 

Engerran, who began racing under saddle in France in 2004 had 10 year’s experience under her belt before coming to live in the United States. 

“I was an amateur rider over there,” she said. “The largest field of horses I’ve ridden with is 20. The average race usually had about 14 total. It was a lot different racing there compared to here. I had to slow down and not go full speed the entire time because of the lengths and different styles of races.” 

Owner and trainer of Funny Photo, Engerran recently relocated to New York from Connecticut with her husband and two daughters. Although she lives closer to Saratoga, she keeps Funny Photo at Vernon Downs and races there because he performs better on the larger track.  She said it is a tricky balance keeping up with racing Funny in harness  and getting to under saddle events. 

“I believe my work with him under saddle has improved him in the bike,” Engerran said. “I have been working for the last few months with him to not pull as hard and get around the turns smoother. The work seemed to pay off because we have raced here in Monticello before and were not able to stay flat in the turns.” 

This was not the first record the pair have broken. In 2015, Engerran piloted Funny Photo for trainer Andy Gardner and co-owners Mo Coo Inc. and Jonathan Klee Racing to a North American seven-eighths-mile track standard of 1:59.0. 

It wasn’t much before this the dynamic team was introduced. According to Engerran, she got on and broke the chestnut to ride about a half hour before placing him into a qualifier. 

“I was eventually asked if I would be interested in purchasing Funny. I really liked him and he was good under saddle so I said yes,” she said. 

The next step wast taking Funny Photo to Canada where there is wagering races offered.  However, Engerran said this was not a smart decision as he did not like it there and the track surfaces were not meant for him. 

(Photo Credits: Geri Schwarz )Sophie Engerran and Funny Photo 

“He did very poorly there” explained Engerran. “So we brought him home and started over. We stopped racing him all together for a while to focus on his well being. He was being used for jumping and dressage to gain muscle. He really seemed to enjoy that.” 

Engerran went back to her home country last year so did not participate in the fair series. However, she said she was excited for her and Funny Photo to be back and able to compete. 

“We really need more consistent racing under saddle events to be truly successful,” she said. 

The RUS fair series, which included eight races at seven fairs across the state,  is sponsored by the New York Sire Stakes and Agricultural and New York Breeding Development Fund via a $5,000 grant. Monticello Raceway and The Monticello Harness Horseman’s Association donated $2,500 towards the $3,500 final purse. 

Event organizer Michelle Miller, who also raced and placed fourth, said she was proud of all the girls who participated throughout the year.  

“It consists of a lot of traveling, hard work and dedication,” she said. “It takes a lot of planning and hard work to pull the event off each year. It is great seeing the interest of fans and watching the quality of the riders continue to improve. We have been very fortunate to have partnered with Monticello Raceway who have been extremely gracious to our event since its inception.”

Racing could not continue without the generosity of sponsors because RUS is yet to become a wagering or self sufficient event. Those that have donated $200 or more include The Meadowlands, Vernon Down, Tioga Downs, Batavia Downs, The Mark Ford Stable, Advantage Edge Equine, Morrisville State College, Triple Crown, Pure Country Campgrounds, T&K Harrington LLC, The Equine Tax Group, Preserving Gods Creation Taxidermy, Early Owego Antique Center, ROC The Standardbred and Triple R Equestrian Center. To see all all sponsors or learn more about RUS visit RUS New York's website, rus-newyork.com.

The High Point Rider Award was presented to Vanessa Karlewicz for earning the most points throughout the series.  This year’s prize was donated by Carharts Harness Shop and the Feed and Pet Supply in Vernon NY.

RUS Final Held At Monticello Raceway

**** This article was written by Shawn Wiles on behalf of Monticello Raceway***

(Photo Credits: Geri Schwarz )Dave Fisher and Shawn Wiles present Sophie Engerran and her horse Funny Photo with a cooler in the winner's circle at Monticello Raceway Sept. 6.

On Thursday afternoon at Monticello Raceway in conjunction with the New York County Fair Finals, the final of RUS Series was conducted. This marks the 5th year that the RUS has held their unique events, over the course of the summer 8 RUS events were held through the state.  The RUS fair series is sponsored by the NYSS and Agricultural and New York Breeding Development Fund via a $5,000 grant, Monticello Raceway & The Monticello Harness Horseman’s Association donated $2,500 towards the $3,500 purse.

A field of 7 trotters went behind the gate monte style, Funny Photo and Sophie Engerran lead from start to finish and establish a new track record 2:02.4 in the process to win by 18 lengths, trotting home in 30:3.  Funny Photo is owned, trained and ridden by Sophie Engerran.  Flowing James (Vanessa Karlewicz) finished 2nd followed by Armbro Hall (Cathy Gearwar)

Event organizer Michelle Miller could not have been happier after the race, “I am so proud of the girls today, it has been challenging the last few years to organize the event, but on days like today, it is all worth it! “The quality of the riders continues to improve” said Miller. We have been very fortunate to have partnered with Monticello Raceway who have been extremely gracious to our event since its inception.  We would also like to thank all the many sponsors that have been so generous to us, The Meadowlands, Vernon Down Tioga Downs, Batavia Downs, The Mark Ford Stable, Advantage Edge Equine, Morrisville State College, Triple Crown, Pure Country Campgrounds in New Berlin NY, T&K Harrington LLC, The Equine Tax Group, Preserving Gods Creation Taxidermy and Early Owego Antique Center.

The High Point Rider Award was presented to Vanessa Karlewicz for earning the most points throughout the series.  This year’s prize was donated by Carharts Harness Shop and the Feed and Pet Supply in Vernon NY.

Monticello Raceway To Host RUS Fair Series Final

Sophie Engerran and Funny Photo lead during a race at 'Little World's Fair' in Hemlock.

Field Of Seven Qualify For Championship

Fair racing may be over, but the racing action is not. The biggest race is yet to come.

Now it all comes down to naming a winner. The top point-getters of the 2018 RUS New York Fair Series will converge at Monticello Raceway to compete for a championship title. The non-wagering exhibition will be held Thursday, Sept. 6 along with the New York Sire Stake’s County Fair Finals and regular racing card. Post time is set for 12:50 p.m. with no set race number or time set for RUS yet.

All participants will receive $500 for earning their way into the final race. Host track Monticello Raceway is putting up $2,500 toward the purse and covering insurance expenses. The winner will also receive a championship cooler.

A High Point Rider Award will be presented at the final to Vanessa Karlewicz for earning the most points throughout the series. This year’s prize has been donated by Carhart’s Harness Shop and the Feed and Pet Supply in Vernon. To be eligible for the award, riders must participate in at least three races.

The series was made possible thanks to the $5,000 grant provided by the NYSS as initial purse money. This marks the fifth year of the series, which included eight races at seven fairs across the state. A rainout prevented racing action at Oneida County fair this year but all horses that showed to race earned a point toward the final. Horses are required to compete in at least three races throughout the series to be allowed entry into the championship race.

Horses Eligible For The Final:

Vanessa Karlewicz brings Flowing James to get a 

winning picture at Tioga County Fair.

Flowing James- leads the group going into the final with 200 points. The 13-year-old bay gelding is undefeated on the fair circuit having raced at four fairs with Vanessa Karlewicz aboard. The duo finished the fair series strong and look to be the ones to beat in the final. Look for this horse to leave hard and try to maintain strong to the finish.

Cathy Gearwar and Armbro Hall edge out Vanessa 

Karlewicz and Flowing James at Goshen Historical Track. 

Armbro Hall - has only lost one race in the fair series and that was to Flowing James at Afton fair. The 5-year-old bay gelding and rider Cathy Gearwar are new to the under saddle scene, but have proven to be strong contenders winning two of three races. The pair were also victorious in their first race together in a racing under saddle event at Goshen Historical Track right before the fair series kicked off. They go into the final with 126 points.

Funny Photo getting a victory 

at Wayne County in Palmyra.

Funny Photo - is nipping at the heels of Armbro Hall with 125 points. This 9-year-old chestnut and rider Sophie Engerran have a couple years racing under saddle under their belts and hold a track record at Vernon Downs. The duo has won two out of three races only losing out to Flowing James in Morris. Engerran may be the most experienced rider in the race having ridden in France before continuing her passion of RUS in the states.

Fox Valley Photog and rider
Michelle Miller before a race.

Fox Valley Photog- is another chestnut earning his way into the final with 63 points having participated in three races. The 12-year-old made his racing under saddle debut in Hemlock after qualifying in 2:05.0 at Vernon Downs. Michelle Miller has been riding for trainer Dave Dewhurst. The pair have yet to see the winner’s circle, but if the horse stays flat he shows speed. Don’t count him out.

Codie Smith and My Man Ben at
Otsego County Fair in Morris.

My Man Ben- is the oldest in the field to qualify for the final. The 16-year-old bay gelding shows a lot of speed off the gate but has been defeated at the end so he has yet to see the winner’s circle. He and rider Codie Smith have participated in three races having earned two second place finishes and a third earning 63 points toward the final.

Michelle Miller & Railroad Lane.

Railroad Lane- is not having the year he had last year as he earned high point horse last season. The 5-year-old has earned 62 points having raced in four races for co-owner and rider Michelle Miller. The brown gelding has been getting stronger as the season continues and is one that does not leave the gate  hard but could make up ground toward the end of the race. This duo has proven they could capture victories in the past, the pair just need to make it click at the right time.

Hillary Hartnett riding 

Caroline's Angel.

Caroline’s Angel- has not proven to stay flat at the fairs but had an impressive 2:03.3 outing her first time under saddle during a qualifier at Vernon Downs. The 4-year-old black mare earned her way into the final with 17 points by participating in two races and earning a point for a rainout at Oneida County Fair. She will be ridden by Hillary Hartnett, who rode One True Friend to victory in last year’s fair final.  

What is Racing Under Saddle:

Also known as Monte Racing, RUS, is a hybrid between harness racing and thoroughbred racing. The sport consists of a rider atop a Standardbred (generally a trotter) in a saddle instead of pulling a sulky.  RUS is an exciting part of international standardbred racing and is conducted daily at most European tracks as part of their regular pari-mutuel wagering programs.

The Fair Series is organized by RUS NY, an organization that helps coordinate and promote under saddle races across the state. The main goal is to promote the unique sport,  educate about the versatility of the Standardbred breed as both a racing and a riding horse and to help Standardbreds find great homes after they finish their days on the track.

To keep up on RUS NY happenings follow the group on  Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr.

• Facebook.com/RUSNYSeries
• Twitter.com/RUS_NewYork
• http://rus-newyork.blogspot.com
• Rus-newyork.com

  
  
  

  

  Fox Valley Photog and Flowing James behind the gate at Tompkins County in Trumansburg.