Penelope Miller and Grade I-winning steeplechaser All The Way Jose, winners of the 2020 Real Rider Cup. Photo by Maggie Kimmitt

March 16, 2021 — The Real Rider Cup, a charity show jumping event that features members of the Thoroughbred industry competing on off-track Thoroughbreds, has announced it will once again be holding the event virtually. Proceeds from the event benefit the Retired Racehorse Project, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption and the Fair Hill Thoroughbred Show.

To enter, riders must either be sponsored or pledge to raise a minimum of $1,000. Pledges can be accepted via the Real Rider Cup’s website or via check.

All riders receive a course map, including measured distances and jump types, for a 2’6” jumper course. Each rider will be asked to submit two videos, the first one riding the course on a Thoroughbred that has made at least one start. Riders wear the silks of one of their supporters/sponsors. The second video (3 minutes max.) offers biographical information about themselves, their horse and a discussion about why the event is important to them.

The public will be invited to view all entries the week of June 20 to vote on their favorite. Awards will be given to both the People’s Choice and the Top Fundraiser.

Created to celebrate the talent and versatility of off-track Thoroughbreds, the Real Rider Cup is the brainchild of Anita Motion, who, along with her husband, Thoroughbred trainer H. Graham Motion, own and operate Herringswell Stables in Fair Hill MD

Traditionally, the Real Rider Cup has been held at or near Fair Hill Training Center, in 2020 the pandemic forced the event to be held virtually. Again, more than $50,000 was raised to benefit Thoroughbred aftercare.

In 2021, a show jumping course will be distributed to all Real Rider Cup entrants. Competitors can choose to stage and ride the course at their home base, or travel to one of several facilities (New Vocations in Kentucky, The Covert Farm in Pennsylvania, etc.) where the course will be set for schooling and videoed rounds.

Entries are currently being accepted for the 2021 Real Rider Cup. For more information or to enter, go to www.therealridercup.com.

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

Fair Hill Thoroughbred Show is a 501c3 organization supporting riders of Thoroughbreds by providing affordable show fees, scholarships, stakes classes and prizes in every division. By supporting their riders, we are helping more OTTBs find second careers.

The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) is a 501c3 charitable organization working to increase demand for off-track Thoroughbreds in the equestrian world. In addition to producing the Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, the organization also publishes Off-Track Thoroughbred Magazine, hosts off-track Thoroughbred retraining clinics, offers programing at major horse expos and events around the country, and maintains the online Thoroughbred Sport Tracker (the internet’s only user-driven database tracking second career talent and accomplishments of registered Thoroughbreds.Visit the RRP online at TheRRP.org.

Founded in 1992, New Vocations has grown into the largest racehorse adoption program in the country. Its mission to rehabilitate, retrain and rehome retired Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorse has led to the placement of over 7,000 individuals, with 500 retirees entering the program each year. With facilities in Kentucky, Louisiana, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania, New Vocations serves over 40 racetracks, working directly with owners and trainers in need of aftercare options.