RUS NY Seeks Sponsors & Product

RUS New York highly relies on sponsorship funds to be a success. The organization is reaching out for support before the race season begins so that businesses and individuals get the most out of their buck. 

Where else can one get so much advertisement and promotion for so little money? The answer is nowhere. 

For as little as $200, sponsors will be put in all forms of promotion that we do for the season. This includes being featured in all fair race programs (generally parimutuals will include a page of our sponsors as well) and much more. The earlier one gets on board, the more exposure one will receive.

What you get for your buck:

• Just for donating you will be provided advertisement on our website. 
• For just $200 or more you will get a mention in all promotions such as race programs. (200 copies are printed for each fair) 
• For $500 or more you will be provided everything above as well as a feature spot on our homepage and inclusion on a bucket to be used as a prize throughout the season. 
• We will link your website or Facebook page to any ad on our website if provided

There will be limited opportunity to become a sponsor for a winner’s circle presentation. This offering will be done on a first-come, first-served basis. Sponsors will have their info printed on a lead line to be handed out after each race. A group photo is taken with the lead line being presented and an announcement is made on the sponsor’s behalf.

It is not always feasible to donate money and RUS NY more than happily accepts product donations that can be used for prizes or fundraising purposes. 

The organization is in the midst of putting together a raffle where tickets will be sold throughout the season to maximize profit. There will be multiple names drawn, so the goal is to have at least three donations. A couple of big ticket items would really help this fundraiser become a success. A May 31 deadline has been set so tickets can be made in time for the race season. Keep in mind the drawing will be done in the fall, probably at our fair final or shortly after, so gift certificates ect. need to be good after that time.

Why support RUS NY?

• Because we are about more than just racing. RUS NY was created to help promote the versatility of the breed and to organize and promote under saddle races for Standardbreds across the state of New York including fairs. Our group promotes the Standardbred breed as a riding and sport horse, beyond just the sport of racing. One of our goals is to show people how versatile the horses are and help rehome them once their racing careers are done.  
• Because the sport allows women and men from all different equestrian disciplines to have the opportunity to participate and it helps attract some fresh fans to the sport of harness racing.
• The sport and group offers a second career for Standardbreds by providing horses that may not make enough or fit classes at the tracks with another use for owners. Retired horses can continue racing in this discipline as long as they can meet qualifying standards. 

RUS NY also has a link, http://www.rus-newyork.com/sponsorship-fundraising.html,  where donations can be made via PayPal. For more information, contact RUS NY President and Sponsor Director, Cathy Gearwar at fourgears@shoreham.net or (802) 537-2145.

Monticello To Host Memorial RUS Event

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

The racing under saddle event will go for a purse of $1,500 to be distributed evenly per New York state law. 

Starting on the rail will be Cathy Gearwar and Railroad Lane. The 4-year old is owned by another rider in the race, but Gearwar has had some experience racing him throughout the season as her own horse was off for the summer healing from an injury. Railroad Lane had three riders throughout the season and only made the winner’s circle once this season at Hemlock Fair. The Chip Chip Hooray gelding  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. Railroad Lane is trained by Elizabeth’s grandson Michael Miller. 

In post No. 2 will be Micehlle MIler, granddaughter of Elizabeth. She will be riding 15-year-old  Conway Hall gelding Choke Hold. Choke Hold had to be retired from harness racing in January and was acquired by owner and trainer Michelle Miller to continue a racing career under saddle since there is no age limit like in harness. Choke Hold has yet to see the winner’s circle being raced under saddle but showed to be competitive at the RUS New York Fair final when placing second after being parked out most of the mile. His biggest disadvantage is he is the only one in the race not still racing in harness so it is more challenging to keep him “race tight.” Miller said she has put a lot of work into keeping him in top form for the race between shipping him to Vernon to train, jogging him and taking him on a 12-mile trail ride. 

In post No. 3 will be Hillary Hartnett and her 4-year-old gelding RC’S Ready. RC came on strong at the end of the season having picked up two wins. He placed third with the same time of 2:10.3 as the fourth place finisher Railroad Lane in the fair final held at Monticello Raceway Sept. 5. This horse can leave the gate and is good gaited, the biggest challenge will be maintaining the lead to the finish if he decides to become the pace setter. According to owner and rider Hartnett, RC is learning each outing and “only getting better as he gains self confidence.” RC is trained by Elizabeth’s son Wesley Miller. 

In post No. 4 will be Sophie Engerran and her 10-year-old chestnut Funny Photo. This duo has proven to be a force to be reckoned with in the past having captured two track records. The pair won the 2018 RUS New York Fair Series Final in a time of  2:02.4 surpassing a 2:05.4 racing under saddle track record at Monticello Raceway previously held by Glorious Winner. 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. The duo put together a 2:06.3 victory at Goshen Historic Track this season.  However, this year the biggest challenge has been staying flat. If Engerran can manage that task, the Classic Photo gelding should be the horse to beat. 

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.

French-bred gelding wins fair finals

Horses and riders race into the first turn at Monticello Raceway during the RUS NY Fair Series Final. 

Girls unite to make bleak season prevail

Akhenaton, a French-bred 9-year-old gelding who has a history of racing internationally under saddle, went into this year’s fair final as the clear favorite and he did not disappoint. 

The horse went into the race with an unblemished six-for-six record and he and rider Vanessa Karlewicz went wire- to-wire for a 2:09.1 victory over 15-year-old Choke Hold and rider Michelle Miller. 

“I think today’s race was one of the best we’ve had all season thus far,” Karlewicz said after the race.  “We had a nice group of well-matched horses, and I think that created not only a good race for the fans, but for us riders as well.”

Karlewicz had only two prior starts on Akhenaton as she normally rides her own horse Flowing James. However, due to unfortunate circumstances he was sidelined mid-season and Karlewicz said she cannot thank fellow rider Hillary Hartnett enough for allowing her to continue competing throughout the season.

“This year, unfortunately, hasn’t been one of our strongest race seasons yet, being a few riders short and having a few of our RUS horses sidelined,” explained Karlewicz.  “Today’s final, however, highlighted just how much we all love the sport and how we are willing to work together to see it succeed. Even though we are all competitors, we are still willing to help each other out. The fact that the two leading riders, Hillary and Michelle, offered out their second horses to fellow riders to increase the field for the final is a true testament to their passion to see this sport continue to grow. It’s nice to have had this come full circle as I’ve offered my extra horse out in past seasons.”

Having won the fair final once before, Karlewicz said this one had just as much meaning. 

“I have to say it was just as thrilling today for the second time,” she said. “Today’s win had so much meaning to it, yet I can hardly take all the credit for it.”

“Even though Akhenaton was thought to be the race favorite, Hillary still offered me that horse from her string versus her other mount. Words can not describe how grateful I am to Hillary. This is such an amazing act of kindness and sportsmanship and I can not praise and thank her enough,” Karlewicz added. 

Having been given the ride on someone else’s horse is an honor, but also a bit of added pressure, according to Karlewicz. 

“I’m used to handling my own horses every day, which gives me more confidence in what to expect out on the track,” she said. “That being said, I have a very good rapport with the horse's main rider Hillary, and together we were able to discuss the appropriate ride that helped me pilot him to victory. He’s a really fun horse with a ton of heart and gives you a great feel out there. He has come a long way in the few months that Hillary has owned him, she’s doing a great job with him.”

Hartnett describes Akhenaton as a “powerhouse with a trot like she has never seen before.” She said he was imported from France in 2018 in hopes he could compete in an international race in Yonkers. She said she was able to acquire him after he had been bounced around a couple of trainers. 

“Taking him to a farm where he can relax and be a horse seemed to be the best thing for him,” Hartnett said. “His attitude has changed for the better since he landed with us. He is a horse that gives 110% every time he races rather it be in the sulky or in the saddle. I am very excited about his future with us.”

“In my eyes, today was certainly a shared victory for teams blue and lime and I dedicate it to my grammy, who sadly passed recently,” Karlewicz said. “She was a huge racing fan, and I know she would have been very proud.”

Both Hartnett’s mounts Akhenaton and RC’s Ready are trained by Wesley Miller of New Berlin, N.Y. Hartnett said she chose to ride her 4-year-old because he’s been learning and getting better each start. 

“Ready has been getting the hang of things this year under saddle,” Hartnett said. “I’ve put so much time and effort into training him in the saddle and the work has helped boost his confidence.” 

RC’s Ready placed third for Hartnett just edging out Miller’s second horse Railroad Lane who was ridden by Vermont rider Cathy Gearwar. Both put up a time of 2:10.3. 

Gearwar also expressed her gratitude for being able to get in some races throughout the season without having a horse of her own. 

“My horse was off for the summer healing from an injury, but I was still able to race at a couple of fairs and the final which is always a fun day,” she said.  “I give thanks to Michelle Miller and Lance Diehl who really shuffled with harness race plans with Lane to make RUS opportunities available to me.”

Miller said she chose to race her retired horse Choke Hold because she has a special place in her heart for continuing the careers of horses that must retire on the track. She said she puts a lot of work keeping him fit and conditioned as he cannot race in between RUS starts. 

“I own, train and ride him,” she said. “I can take full credit with this one. And even though he has been racing for years, there were some kinks that needed working out. Lane was my most challenging to train under saddle for sure as when I first got him he was a scaredy cat and very green. And  as far as work, I get help with him as he still races in harness and my brother trains him year round.”

Miller said she cannot thank Choke Hold’s prior owner enough for turning him over to her care. 

“Not only is he a war horse on the track he is so calm off of it,” she said. “The weekend before the race my 7-year-old niece was riding him alone in a ring at a fundraiser show we were hosting for RUS NY. I rode him as a lead horse on the trails. He is the true definition of an all around versatile horse and what we like to showcase to the public for safe landings for them after their careers are over. Standardbreds are overlooked and make great horses for all different kinds of disciplines.” 

Miller said she could not be happier with how Choke Hold battled in the final race. 

The non-wagering exhibition was held in conjunction with the New York Sire Stake’s County Fair Finals on Sept. 5 at Monticello Raceway. 

Horses are required to compete in at least three races throughout the series to be allowed entry into the championship race. The series included nine opportunities to race at fairs across the state and one event held at Goshen Historic Track. The series, in its sixth season, received a $7,500 grant for initial purse money provided by the Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund.

All participants of the fair final receive $600 for earning their way into the race. Host track Monticello Raceway and the track's horsemen's association generously put up the funds. The winner also received a championship cooler.

Races are organized by RUS New York, which was formed in 2014 to increase interest in Standardbred racing and showcase the versatility of the Standardbred breed. 

WHAT IS RACING UNDER SADDLE: 

Also known as Monte Racing, RUS, is a hybrid between harness and thoroughbred racing. The sport consists of a rider atop a Standardbred (trotters in the fair series) 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. 

To keep up on RUS NY happenings follow the group at:

• Facebook.com/RUSNYSeries

• Twitter.com/RUS_NewYork

• http://rus-newyork.blogspot.com

• Rus-newyork.com

RUS Fair Series Final Set for Sept. 5

Melissa Simser-Iovino 

Hillary Hartnett makes a move with Akhenaton, left, in Cobleksill at The Schoharie County Sunshine Fair to pass Michelle Miller and Railroad Lane. Fifteen-year-old Choke Hold, ridden by Cathy Gearwar, gains ground from behind.

 

Kara Duh gets her first victory aboard Railroad Lane. 

Four horses qualify for event at Monticello Raceway

Four horses have earned their way into the RUS New York Fair Series Final that will be featured at Monticello Raceway Thursday, Sept. 5. 

The non-wagering exhibition will be held in conjunction with the New York Sire Stake’s County Fair Finals. Post time is set for 12:50 p.m. with no scheduled race number or time for RUS yet. 

Horses are required to compete in at least three races throughout the series to be allowed entry into the championship race. The series included nine opportunities to race at fairs across the state and one event held at Goshen Historic Track. 

All participants will receive $600 for earning their way into the final race. Host track Monticello Raceway and the track's horsemen's association are generously putting up the funds. The winner will also receive a championship cooler.

RUS NY was formed in 2014 to increase interest in Standardbred racing and showcase the versatility of the Standardbred breed. The series, in its sixth season, received a $7,500 grant for initial purse money provided by the Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund.

“The New York Sire Stakes program congratulates the riders and horses who competed under saddle on the county fair circuit this year and wish them all well in the final. We are pleased to share these accomplishments on the New York County Fair Finals program at Monticello,” said M. Kelly Young, Executive Director of the Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund. 

Educating the public and cultivating racing fans is one of the primary goals of the county fair racing series in New York, according to Young. 

“We are proud to partner with Racing Under Saddle-NY to enhance county fair racing across the state and this year the riders provided even more demonstrations and information to racing fans about the versatility of the breed,” she said. 

Horses Eligible For The Final:

Akhenaton-  This French-bred 9-year-old gelding has a history of racing internationally under saddle. The son of Nice Love is trained by Wesley Miller and went undefeated going 6-for-6 on the fair circuit. He was ridden to all his victories but one by part-owner Hillary Hartnett and leads the point standings by 100 points. His total point earnings for the year was 300. He is a clear favorite to win the final. 

RC’s Ready- Also trained by Wesley Miller, RC has come on strong at the end of the season having picked up two wins giving him a self esteem boost going into the final. The 4-year-old RC Royalty gelding tallied up three wins and two seconds throughout the series earning 200 points. Seasoned rider Vanessa Karlewicz will be riding this horse for the first time in the championship. Karlewicz rode three horses during the series, but has yet to take on this mount. 

Railroad Lane- Has proven he can beat RC’S Ready as he had a strong come-from-behind-victory off a break in stride early on in a race at Hemlock. However, RC also maintained a wire-to-wire win over him in Palmyra. The 6-year-old gelding comes into the championship race with one victory, three second-place finishes and a third at Goshen Historic Track earning him a total of 137 points. The Chip Chip Hooray, trained by Michael Miller, has had three riders - Kara Duh, Cathy Gearwar and co-owner Michelle Miller. 

Choke Hold-  Had to be retired from harness racing in January when he turned 15-years-old and was acquired by owner and trainer Michelle Miller to continue a racing career under saddle since there is no age limit like in harness. The Conway Hall gelding raced at six fairs without getting to the winner’s circle but showed to be competitive when coming home strong against Akhenaton in Boonville and almost nipping RC’s Ready in Trumansburg after an early break in the race. While Choke Hold may seem like the underdog in the race having only earned 107 points do not count him out as he is less likely to break stride on a bigger track and is proving to get stronger as the season goes.

The series has always included a top rider award. However, this year a bigger than ever rider challenge was added to the event to try to promote larger fields and more participation (as riders do not get paid unless they own the horse). Thanks to the sponsorships of Oneida Veterinary Associates, PLLC, Tioga and Vernon Downs, $4,000 was up for grabs for riders that participated in at least five races leading to the final. Points were given to riders in the same format used for horses regardless of what horses were ridden in each race. 

Hillary Hartnett won the challenge by a landslide. Hartnett, who participated in every fair race earning 450 points, beat out Michelle Miller who placed second with 157 earned points. Six total riders participated in the series but few met the five-race requirement.

“The extra incentive did not work as well as planned as our participation was down this year,” RUS New York President Michelle Miller said. “A lot of our riders have gotten older, have families, jobs and other priorities so we thought boosting purses and adding funds for riders may help. Traveling becomes very costly and racing is also held during the week so that can be conflicting for a lot as well. Unfortunately, our expectations were not met, but it was not for lack of support or trying. We cannot thank the sponsors enough for providing this opportunity to our riders.” 

According to RUS NY Sponsorship Director Cathy Gearwar, racing under saddle could not survive without sponsorship support. She said the group does fundraisers, but that is not enough on its own. 

“We made sure to promote our sponsors in every way we could this year so they received the most bang for their buck,” Gearwar said. “Anyone who donates $200 or more gets promotional space in all the race programs. We offer cooler presentations so sponsors can become a part of the winning experience if they chose. Thanks to Prolifiq Sings we were able to get a  trifold sign to present at all of our events including our horse show fundraisers. We promote on our website. If sponsors cannot donate funds we also take product to use for prizes and raffles. There is no donation too small as we appreciate any support given.” 

This year’s sponsors included: NYSS and Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund, Oneida Veterinary Associates, PLLC, Vernon Downs, Tioga Downs, Monticello Raceway, Saratoga Casino and Hotel, Triple Crown, Harness Racing Replays on Facebook, D’Agostino Group in Vernon N.Y., Pure Country Campground, The Equine Tax Group, Hoof Beats, Big Dee’s Tack and Vet Supply, Pacesetter Tack and Supply, Blue Seal, T&K Harrington LLC, Party Tent Rentals of Schoharie New York, Southern Tier Harness Horsemen’s Association, Beckwith Racing, Knotty By Nature Kitchen Cabinets and Countertops, Russell Hoagland of Kevin’s Royal Automotive, Enge Training Stable, Mike Miller Racing, The Stables at MiraBella, Divine Equine Equipment for Champions, Iron Horse Graphics, Purina, Barb and Rick Bateman, Hoof Beats and New York Central Mutual Insurance. 

WHAT IS RACING UNDER SADDLE: 

Also known as Monte Racing, RUS, is a hybrid between harness and thoroughbred racing. The sport consists of a rider atop a Standardbred (trotters in the fair series) 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 goals are to promote the unique sport,  educate about the versatility of the Standardbred breed as both a racing and 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 at:

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

No Race at Tioga

Due to lack of riders and horses this year the Tioga race has been canceled. A representative of the horsemen association said they will support another race next year. 

RUS To Be Featured At Tioga Downs

Michelle Miller warms up Railroad Lane at Tioga Downs before a race held in 2017.

RUS New York is proud to be teaming up with Tioga Downs and its horsemen to put on a race on August 25.


The horsemen have generously agreed to put up $4,000 for six to seven starters or $5,000 for eight to nine starters to be distributed evenly per New York State law. The race will not be held with less than six starters. 


Conditions are as follows: 

Race Date: Sunday, Aug. 25                                      Race Office Direct Line: (607) 699-7688

Entry by:    DECLARE BY 9:00AM Wednesday, Aug. 21

                                                                 

Purse: $4,000 for 6 to 7 starters or $5,000 for 8 to 9 starters to be distributed evenly per NY State Law

Starters: Will not be raced with less than 6 entries. Up to 9 Starters will be eligible. If there are more than 9 entries, horses that have gone behind the gate with more than one other horse proving to stay flat the most in 2019 will get preference. After that, horses will be drawn by date of when last raced rather it be in harness or RUS. The Race Secretary and Judges have the  right to handicap horses based on past performances to make a more competitive field. 

Conditions: RUS Trot (6,000 P/C last three starts at any parimutuel track) 

Track: Tioga Downs —-  2384 W. River Road Nichols, New York 13812

Rider requirements:

1. Must hold a current active RUS license with the USTA and have at least one charted line behind the gate in 2019.

2. Will be expected to have all proper forms filled out and be prepared to blow a breathalyzer. 

3. Must have proper colors, helmet, boots and safety vest. 

Horse Requirements:  Horses must be 3 years old or older to participate (can be older than 14). A horse shall be considered qualified if it meets the following standards at the track where the horse is qualifying: 1/2 mile track – 2:16; 5/8 mile track – 2:14; 7/8 mile or larger track – 2:12. Horse must show racing under saddle line in 2019. 

Season To Kick Off Father's Day

Get ready for some racing action, as the first race of the season will be held at Goshen Historic Track this Sunday. 

The event will be part of the track's 109th racing season, which will include a first responders celebration and matinee harness racing. Events are free and open to the public. Gates open at 11:30 a.m. with racing action to begin at 1 p.m. 

There are four entries for the racing under saddle feature - which is race No. 5 on a seven-race card. 

The Father's Day race will serve as the first leg of the RUS NY Fair Series. The series will continue Thursday at Afton Fair where there will be a RUS demonstration held before post time. Anyone interested in learning more about the sport is encouraged to attend. 

This will mark the sixth year of the series. It will include at least 10 race legs and conclude with a final at Monticello Raceway Thursday, Sept. 5.  Points earned along the way will determine final entries.  

There is a significant incentive to boost participation this season. Three sponsors, Oneida Veterinary Associates, PLLC, Tioga and Vernon Downs, pulled together to offer a $4,000 rider award challenge. Funds will be distributed based on points earned at the end of the series. Riders will need to participate in at least five races leading up to the final to qualify and points will be awarded to riders regardless of horse(s) ridden throughout the series.

Fair Series conditions can be found on the RUS NY website, rus-newyork.com. 

Official dates and locations for the series are as follows:

• Sunday, June 16 ---- Goshen Historical Track (1p.m. post)

• Thursday, June 20 ---- Afton Fair (noon post) 

• Tuesday, July 16 --- “Little World’s Fair" in Hemlock (noon post)

• Tuesday, July 23 --- Oneida County in Boonville (11AM Post)

• Tuesday, July 30 --- Otsego County Fair in Morris (noon post)

• Monday, Aug. 5 --- Tioga County in Owego (noon post)

• Tuesday, Aug. 6 --- Schoharie County Sunshine Fair in Cobleskill (noon post) 

• Monday, Aug. 12 --- Wayne County in Palmyra (noon post)

• Tuesday, Aug. 13 --- Steuben County in Bath (noon post)

• Tuesday, Aug. 20 --- Tompkins County in Trumansburg (noon post)