The 2016 season marked the third consecutive year of racing under saddle in Ontario, and the second successful season as a wagering event in Canada. Growing on past seasons, 2016 did not disappoint for RUS Ontario.

This year saw the return of dedicated owners, trainers and riders to the sport, and welcomed many new horses and their connections to the races. While the horse shortage across North America posed a challenge in both harness and under saddle racing, RUS Ontario continued to put exciting fields on the track, and for the first time in North America, two cards of under saddle races were contested at Clinton Raceway, which started the process of classifying RUS fields amongst qualified horses.

Despite some races posting standout horses in the field, several exciting upsets occurred for the bettors’ and spectators’ benefit, most notably the 50-1 victory during the Battle of Waterloo Day $11,000 event, sponsored by MAD Barn Equine Nutrition, which saw rider Marielle Enberg atop Gracies Harmony for trainer Jim Tropea.

RUS Ontario has been very fortunate each season to attract the attention of international stars. It featured the Norway vs. Canada Challenge in 2014; in 2015, top French rider Phillipe Masschaele set a new seven-eighths-mile record for North America in 1:56.4. Most recently, Swedish rider Stephanie Werder returned and posted a victory in the 2016 $15,000 RUS Finale at The Raceway at Western Fair District, sponsored by CEG Engineering Group of London, Ont.

The ultimate success of Racing Under Saddle can be best noted off of the racetrack by witnessing the new fans and participants Standardbred racing is welcoming at our Ontario tracks. In a short discussion with sponsor CEG Engineering Group, it was the first time for many of their employees to come to a racetrack. Many expressed plans to return to the races with family members, and the experience of going to the winner's circle and returning to the office with the race day banner highlighted the night.

Stephanie Werder returned to Canada after a third-place finish in the 2015 season at Mohawk Racetrack. A huge fan and supporter of North American Monte racing, Werder also had a win in 2014 during the Meadowlands’ Hambletonian Day eliminations atop Ontario horse O U Gus. Thanks to her sponsor, Trot Tracker GPS watches, Werder was able to return to North American racing for the third consecutive year, all of which have been very rewarding. On Thursday, October 27, Werder will race in Axevalla from Post 9 (Race 2) aboard Golden Gambler" for her first start since returning home.

Each season RUS Ontario has recognized a top horse, trainer, and rider of the season; but, most importantly, extends utmost gratitude to each and every participant, in the form of owners, trainers, riders, sponsors and the fans who make racing under saddle a possibility.

Without dedicated owners and trainers providing racing under saddle with their horses, the sport would not be possible. For your support, RUS Ontario thanks you for making its dream a reality and for helping to grow Standardbred racing in Ontario. This year RUS Ontario welcomed trainers Dave Dowling, Ben Baillargeon, Shane Arsenault, Dave Boughton, Bernie Bahr, Brianne Sloan, Greg Campbell, and Tiffany Stein. RUS Ontario thanks qualifier entries and efforts from Ken Middleton, Craig Yates, Herb Holland, Nate Harding, Rhonda Markle, Michelle Olson, Maggie Jones, Nadine Habke, Korina McLean and Natalie Elliott. A very special thank-you to longtime committed RUS supporters John Braid, Jim Tropea, Britt Kennedy, Paul, Brenda and Julie Walker, John Patterson, and RUS sponsor Scott Cieslar of MAD Barn Equine Nutrition, as well as CEG Engineering Group for sponsoring the RUS final. Your efforts do not go unnoticed.

2016 RUS TOP STANDINGS
(Determined by starts, win-place-show)

TOP HORSE
Southwind Alice
• Trained by Dave Dowling, ridden by Evelyn Harms.
• In seven starts posted a record of 3-1-2.

TOP TRAINER
Shane Arsenault
• Trained Racing Lexis DJ, Demand An Answer, and Osprey Vision.
• Posted a 4-1-2 record from seven starts.

TOP RIDER
A tie between Sarah Town and Evelyn Harms.
• Both completed the season with a 3-1-2 record.

Thank-you again to each and every participant! If you have any questions, comments or constructive suggestions to making 2017 an even better season of racing, please email RUS Ontario at [email protected].

(RUS Ontario)