RUS Fair Final To Be Held Before Harness Races

Horses are seen four across the track at Tioga County Fair in Owego. 

Saratoga To Be Site For This Year’s Championship

With the county fair racing now wrapped up, the top point-getters of the 2017 RUS New York Fair Series will converge at Saratoga Casino and Hotel to compete for a championship title. 

The non-wagering exhibition will be held at 6:15 p.m., Friday, Sept. 15 before the New York Sire Stake’s County Fair Finals and regular racing card. A promotional table will be set up after the race to provide racing fans a chance to meet the riders, purchase RUS NY merchandise and learn more about the unique sport and the versatility of the Standardbred breed. 

All participants will receive $600 for earning their way into the final race. The Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association is donating $200 per horse entered. The winner will also receive a championship cooler.

A High Point Rider Award will once again be presented at the final to the rider who has earned the most points, regardless of horse(s) ridden throughout the series. This year’s prize has been donated by Carhart’s Harness Shop and the newly added 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 fourth year of the series, which included nine races at fairs across the state. 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: 

Railroad Lane- leads the group going into the final with 175 points. The 4-year-old gelding (CHIP CHIP HOORAY - KATIE'S GOLD CARD - STRIKING SAHBRA) has raced in five fair races with Michelle Miller aboard. The duo finished the fair series strong with three victories in a row. Their first outing resulted in a DNF, but besides that, the pair hasn't been worse than second. Railroad Lane is owned by Miller and Lance Diehl and trained by Michael Miller. 

Admirable Hanover-  (CANTAB HALL - ALMOST AN ANGEL - CROWNING POINT) will be defending his title, as he was named the winner of last year’s fair final at Batavia Downs. The 10-year-old’s owner and trainer, Vanessa Karlewicz, has ridden the gelding to two victories and a second place finish in three fair races this season earning him 125 points. 

Iron Will - is no stranger to the fair circuit having been ridden the past few years by Heather Reese. He did not participate in the finals last year, but was a contender the year before. The 11-year-old (CREDIT WINNER - ARMBRO ARCHER - S J'S PHOTO) raced in three races earning 112 points with two victories and a third place finish.  The gelding is owned by the J Sansone Stables and trained by Jen Sansone. 

R George - is probably the longest shot on the board so to speak (as there is no betting on RUS). This horse is retired and no longer races in harness. However, the 12-year-old gelding has competed in more series’ races than any other horse earning 107 points at six fairs. R George (R BLAKE - MEGHAN LANE - LINDY LANE) has been ridden by less experienced riders Codie Smith and Kara Duh as well as by owner Michelle Miller. The chestnut, trained by Michael Miller, never earned a victory, but placed second three times and third twice.

One True Friend- earned her way into the finals with 100 points. The 10-year-old mare has been ridden to one fair race victory by partial owner Hillary Hartnett this season. The duo has participated in four races including two second-place finishes and a DNF. While the fairs have not proved to be a strong suit for this pair, do not count them out as they have shown to be a threat on bigger tracks with a victory at Tioga Downs and a strong second place at Vernon Downs. One True Friend (DREAM VACATION - ELOUERA - WESGATE CROWN) is trained by Wesley Miller who also has part ownership. 

Boy Can She Fly- is being leased by Vanessa Karlewicz to be used specifically for RUS as

she was no longer competing in harness. The 6-year-old mare has only been getting stronger under saddle throughout the season. She has had a few passengers aboard her this year including Karlewicz, Codie Smith and Michelle Miller. Having participated in three races, Boy Can She Fly (INCREDIBLE ABE - LADY ISABELLA - SIR TAURUS) was able to compile a first, second and third place finish accumulating 87 points. 

The current standings of qualified riders for the Rider Award are as follows:

Michelle Miller (258), Vanessa Karlewicz (187), Heather Reese (112) Hillary Hartnett (100), Kara Duh (62). No matter the outcome of the final, Michelle Miller has earned enough points to take on the honor this year. 

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

Vernon Down's To Host Racing Under Saddle

Race Date: Friday, Aug. 25      (Race will be held after the first race)                               

Race Office Direct Line: 315-829-6825 

Entry by:    DECLARE BY 9:00AM TUESDAY,  AUG. 22, 2017

                                                                 

Purse: $3,000 to be distributed evenly per NY State Law 

Starters: Will not be raced with less than 5 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 RUS events in 2017 will get preference. After that, horses will be drawn by date of when last raced rather it be in harness or RUS. 

Conditions: RUS Trot (NW of $2,000 L5 harness starts in 2017 with a 6,000 P/C L/S at any parimutuel track)

Track: Vernon Downs 4229 Stuhlman Road Vernon, New York 13476

Rider requirements:

1. Must hold a current active RUS license with the USTA. 
2. Must have at least 2 charted lines (staying flat with one being in the time needed to race) in the 2017 season. 
3. Must participate in at least 2 fundraisers with a minimum of $200 raised or get $200 in sponsors
4. Will be expected to have all proper forms filled out and be prepared to blow a breathalyzer. 
5. Must have proper colors, helmet, boots and safety vest. 

Horse Requirements: Any horse that has qualified or showed a RUS charted line in 2:14 on a half mile track or larger may enter. Horses showing a RUS qualifier or charted line faster than 2:01 is not eligible. Horse must show a RUS qualifier in the 2017 season and not show two consecutive breaks at a pari-mutual track. 

Fair Series Nearing Finals

There is just one more race left in the RUS New York 2017 Fair Series.

The Tuesday, Aug. 22 race in Tompkins County Fair in Trumansburg will mark the final opportunity for eligibility into the championship race. The final will be held along with the harness fair final races at Saratoga Casino and Hotel on Friday, Sept. 15. Each horse that finishes in the final will earn $600. Prizes will also be awarded to the winning horse and high point rider for the season. 

The series included nine legs held at different fairs across the state. Points earned along the way  determine final entries. Horses need at least three starts to be eligible. 

Standings: 

"Promoting Racing Under Saddle and the versatility of the Standardbred breed."

• HOME

* Railroad Lane -175

* Iron Will-112 ​

* R George-107

* One True Friend -100 

 Admirable Hanover-75 

Boy Can She Fly- 62

Mr. Avalanche -37

Those with a * next to their name have the required number of races to enter the final. ​

The High Point Rider Award will be presented to the rider who has earned the most points, regardless of horse(s) ridden throughout the series. Riders must participate in at least three races to qualify. 

Standings: 

*Michelle Miller-233

* Vanessa Karlewicz- 137

* Heather Reese -112

* Hillary Hartnett-100

* Kara Duh-62

Codie Smith- 24 

Those with a * at the end of their name have ridden in 3 races to qualify for the award. 

RUS is yet to be self sufficient in the United States particularly because of legislation that prohibits wagering. Hopefully one day that will change. But until then, finding sponsors and ways to fundraise has been the biggest challenge going forward. RUS NY could not host races without the help of our sponsors. 

Click here for a link to sponsors - most logos are linked to a website or Facebook page. 

Tioga Downs To Host Racing Under Saddle

Race Date: Sunday, July 23 

Race Office Direct Line: (607) 699-7688 

Entry by: DECLARE BY 9:00AM THURSDAY, JULY 20

Purse: $5,000 to be distributed evenly per NY State Law

Starters: Will not be raced with less than 7 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 2017 will get preference. After that horses will be drawn by date of when last raced rather it be in harness or RUS.

Conditions: RUS Trot (6,000 P/C L/S at any parimutuel track)


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

USTA Rules will be used


Rider requirements:

1. Must hold a current active RUS license with the USTA.
   
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: 

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. 

RUS NY Fair Series To Kick Off In Afton

The excitement of racing under saddle at New York State county fairs will continue this summer.

RUS New York, an organization that helps promote the sport and the versatility of Standardbreds, is excited to announce its fourth fair series. Races will begin on July 6 Afton Fair and conclude with the final to be held at Saratoga Casino and Hotel September 15.

The series will include nine race legs and a championship final race, with points earned along the way to determine final entries. A High Point Rider Award will once again be presented at the final to the rider who has earned the most points, regardless of horse(s) ridden throughout the series.

Official dates and locations for the series are as follows:

Thursday, July  6 ------ Afton Fair 
Tuesday, July 18------ “Little World’s Fair" in Hemlock
Tuesday, July 25-------Oneida County in Boonville
Monday, July 31------- Schoharie County Fair in Cobleskill
Wednesday, Aug. 2 ------ Tioga County in Owego
Wednesday, Aug.  9 ----- Oswego County in Sandy Creek 
Monday, Aug. 14 ---- Wayne County in Palmyra
Tuesday, Aug. 15 ---- Steuben County in Bath
Tuesday, Aug. 22 ----- Tompkins County in Trumansburg

Friday, Sept. 15—— Fair Final at Saratoga Casino and Hotel

RUS is yet to be self sufficient in the United States particularly because of legislation that prohibits wagering. Hopefully one day that will change. But until then, finding sponsors and ways to fundraise has been the biggest challenge going forward.

The series’ flagship sponsor, The New York Sire Stakes, has generously donated $5,000 as initial purse money. This year, the goal is to have a purse of $750 or more per fair.  Members of RUS New York are working hard and have held several fundraisers with more planned for the future. RUS New York is currently looking for sponsors and donations such as tickets to places and events, gift certificates, gift baskets and other items that can be used to raise money at various fundraising events. A PayPal account has also been set up where people can make secure donations.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit http://www.rus-newyork.com/become-a-sponsor.html. 

Last season the fair series included 12 races at 9 fairs across the state,  a race at Saratoga Casino and Hotel and a final at Batavia Downs.  RUS NY will be coordinating a race (separate from the fair series) scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 9. More details will be release closer to the event. 

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

Sponsorship Opportunity Can Get You In The Winning Circle

Special Sponsorship Opportunity

Be a part of the winning experience and sponsor a race by having your logo or business name printed on a cooler. You can present the cooler or we can have someone do it on your behalf. Must have sponsorship form 3 weeks before the date of the race you are interested in sponsoring. See our race schedule for race dates.

For more information, contact Jocelyn Gale at galestables@yahoo.com or (315) 250-7402. 

Price: $300 

$100 discount if you take advantage of our $500 group sponsorship opportunity. 

Our Basic sponsorships:

For as little as $100 you will be provided advertisement on our website. 

For just $200 or more you will get mention in all promotions such as race programs. 

For $500 or more you will be provided everything above as well as a feature spot on our homepage.

(we will link our website promotions to your website or Facebook page if provided)

Visit RUS-newyork.com for more info on racing under saddle and our group RUS NY.

RUS NY Sets Meeting

RUS New York will be hosting a meeting at 6 p.m. Sunday, April 23 at Jocelyn Gale’s home.

Those who plan to participate in RUS NY events are highly encouraged to attend. RUS NY Committee Members will be seeking volunteers for the organization’s first “fun show” on May 21 at Pure Country Campground in New Berlin. Final planning will take place during this meeting along with going over other very important topics such as rules and regulations, race dates and much more. 

Racing will begin before we know it and the goal is to get as much in place for the season as possible. 

Gale resides at 6157 Cooper Street in Vernon N.Y. Those who cannot physically attend are encouraged to contact Michelle Miller at mnmiller84@gmail.com with their email and phone number. We will be inviting people through Google Hangout Video Call so that we can include as many people as possible. If this form of communication does not work for everyone we may be able to figure out an alternative way to get everyone involved (we have a few that use FaceTime) so please contact Miller as soon as possible.