Photo by L’arte LG Photography

The Real Rider Cup (RRC) organizing committee today announced dates for the annual charity show jumping competitions: Saturday, June 28th in Lexington, KY, and Saturday, October 18th at the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory, in Cecil County, MD.

Founded by Anita Motion in 2017, the Real Rider Cup has raised over $600,000 for Thoroughbred aftercare to date while increasing awareness and fostering a spirit of collaboration and community between the racing, aftercare, and equestrian industries.

“We’re grateful for the continued enthusiasm and support for our event,” said RRC founder Anita Motion. “The breed has given us all so much and we’re honored to give back by supporting a variety of aftercare organizations who are making meaningful impacts on post-racing life for Thoroughbreds. I also want to extend my gratitude to the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill team for this opportunity to increase the reach of our mission.”

Mounted on off-track Thoroughbreds and wearing the racing silks of their colleagues, employers, or other connections, participating riders pledgeto raise $1,000 for Real Rider Cup beneficiaries and contend a show jumping course, riding for fast, clean rounds. Awards are given for individual and team results, as well as top-earning fundraisers. Thoroughbred riders from across industries are welcome and encouraged. Past riders have included Olympians, champion jockeys, outriders, members of the racing press, veterinarians, exercise riders, representatives of breeding farms and corporate track management, and more.

The Lexington leg of the event of the Real Rider Cup will return to New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program on Saturday, June 28th at New Vocation’s flagship Mereworth Farm facility.

The Fair Hill leg of the event will remain on the grounds of the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, but will shift in date and be hosted at the Fair Hill Special Event Zone, joining the official schedule of events at the MARS Maryland 5 Star to follow the conclusion of the cross-country phase of competition on Saturday, October 18th.

“On behalf of the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland, we are thrilled and honored to host the Real Rider Cup as part of our schedule of activities during the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory,” said Jeff Newman, SVP Events. “As a major equestrian event in the state of Maryland where Thoroughbreds have had a stalwart influence in the sport of eventing, we strive to do all we can to use the event as a platform to showcase and support the incredible initiatives, by organizations and individuals the likes of Anita Motion, that have done so much for the well-being of horses and the horse industry as a whole.”

Learn more at www.therealridercup.com.

Proceeds of the Real Rider Cup benefit the Retired Racehorse Project, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, and Beyond the Wire.