SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Sunday, Oct. 17, Saratoga Casino Hotel will host a “Racing Under Saddle” exhibition race during its matinee racing program. The race, sponsored by the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association (SHHA), will have an estimated purse of $6,000 which will be equally distributed among the participants.
Racing Under Saddle (RUS) is immensely popular in many European countries. Also known as Monte Racing, RUS involves Standardbred racehorses (usually trotters) being raced under saddle instead of pulling a sulky. Wagering is not permitted on RUS races in the United States.
This year, all participants in the RUS event are women. Michelle Crawford, spokeswoman for the RUS group, said “Since the race is being held in October, we decided to make it a breast cancer awareness race. The blanket awarded to the race winner will be black and pink.”
Crawford added, “RUS puts a spotlight on the versatility of the Standardbred horse. After racing, many Standardbreds go on to succeed in a variety of disciplines including Dressage, English, and Western pleasure, pleasure driving, and hunting/jumping. Standardbreds really can do it all.”
Saratoga Casino Hotel looks forward to hosting this exciting RUS event and hopes it will draw a large crowd. Fans in attendance will have an opportunity to enter to win a photo in the winner’s circle or a ride in the starting car, sponsored by the SHHA.
