The Real Rider Cup, a charity show jumping event featuring members of the racing industry competing on off-track Thoroughbreds, announced today that registration is open for the 2023 events, including competition legs in Kentucky and Maryland. The Kentucky leg will take place on July 8 at New Vocations at Mereworth Farm in Lexington, and the Maryland leg will return on September 15 to kick off the Fair Hill Thoroughbred Show in Elkton. Proceeds from the event will once again benefit the Fair Hill Thoroughbred Show, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, and the Retired Racehorse Project.

Riders will compete both individually and as part of a team; riders are encouraged to form their own teams to ride for a particular farm, stable, organization or branch of the industry. All riders pledge to raise a minimum of $1,000, either through donations or sponsorships. Participation will be capped at 30 riders per event.

All riders will compete on an off-track Thoroughbred over a course of 2’6”, and can choose at which location they intend to compete (they can also choose to compete at both). As a show jumping event, riders are competing for fast time. Awards will be given at each leg for individual winners, plus top teams and top fundraisers. 

“We are incredibly grateful to all the participants, volunteers and those that have donated and sponsored over the last five years,” said Real Rider Cup founder Anita Motion. ”After our record-breaking Real Rider Cup in 2022, we’re looking forward to another year of fun competition and fundraising for Thoroughbred aftercare.”

Rider entry is now open for both legs of competition. Sponsorships are also available for the Real Rider Cup at both the Kentucky and Maryland locations. All interested parties should visit therealridercup.com for more information.

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