Photo courtesy Maggie Kimmitt

The Real Rider Cup, a charity show jumping event featuring members of the racing industry competing on off-track Thoroughbreds, announced today its return to an in-person competition format this year, now including two competition legs in Kentucky and Maryland. The Kentucky leg will take place on July 9 at New Vocations at Mereworth Farm in Lexington, and the Maryland leg will return on September 16 to kick off the Fair Hill Thoroughbred Show in Elkton. Proceeds from the event will once again benefit the Fair Hill Thoroughbred Show, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, and the Retired Racehorse Project.

Riders will compete both individually and as part of a team; riders are welcome to form their own teams to ride for a particular stable or farm, or will be placed on a team based on their industry involvement. All riders pledge to raise a minimum of $1,000, either through donations or sponsorships.

All riders will compete on an off-track Thoroughbred over a course of 2’6”, and can choose at which location they intend to compete (they can also choose to compete at both). As a show jumping event, riders are competing for fast time. The leading riders from each leg will compete head-to-head in a virtual event open for online voting to determine the Real Rider Cup Champion. Awards will also be given for top teams and top fundraisers at each leg.

“I’m thankful that we can go back to an in-person event this year,” said Anita Motion, creator of the Real Rider Cup. “Having events in two locations will make it even more competitive and allow more people to get involved. The RRC has grown each year and this year we are anticipating it being the best yet!”

Rider entry is now open for both legs of competition. Sponsorships are also available for the Real Rider Cup at both the Kentucky and Maryland locations. All interested parties should visit therealridercup.com for more information. 

 All proceeds benefit the Retired Racehorse Project, New Vocations Thoroughbred Adoption and the Fair Hill Thoroughbred Show.