Trot Insider has learned that the not-for-profit organization Racing Under Saddle Ontario (RUS Ontario) is extending an invitation to all racing participants from the Rideau Carleton Raceway / Hippodrome 3R area for assistance and participation in showcasing a RUS event at Rideau Carlton Raceway on Sunday, August 13.

Organizers with RUS have said that, coinciding with the Ontario Sires Stakes Gold and Grassroots divisions for three-year-old trotting colts, the addition of an under saddle race would put the icing on the cake. Given the current circumstances in harness racing, specifically the short numbers of trotters, RUS Ontario requires trotters from that area to be able to fill the entry box.

What is a RUS horse?

A RUS horse must be three years old or older and must be a trotter. The horse must qualify behind the starting gate once per season before racing in a RUS event. Qualifying time on a five-eighths-mile track is 2:06. A minimum of three horses are required in order for a qualifier to head behind the starting gate in a qualifier.

How do you get involved?

RUS riders are available to break, ride, train, qualify and race your horse. Please visit the rusontario.com website for more information on benefits of racing under saddle for your horse, for rider information, and to watch previous race replays. You can call or text Natalie at 519-440-8716 or email [email protected] for more information or to express your interest.

With a looming deadline for advertising and promotions to begin early next week, organizers are asking interested parties to please not hesitate and contact RUS Ontario as mentioned above or Benoit Frenette 613-822-0247 by Sunday, July 16.

(With files from RUS Ontario)