The Real Rider Cup, a charity show jumping event created by Anita Motion to benefit Thoroughbred aftercare, is bringing the racing and equestrian worlds together in Lexington, Kentucky just ahead of Fasig-Tipton’s July Sale. The Kentucky leg of this fundraiser takes place on July 9 at New Vocation Racehorse Adoption Program at Mereworth Farm, and a star-studded lineup of personalities and horses has already pledged its support!

Maggie Kimmitt photo

Fans of Zenyatta will be thrilled to see her first offspring Cozmic One making an appearance with Real Rider Cup veteran Sergio de Sousa. Exercise rider Kristin VanMeter will be competing with Discovery Stakes winner Sticksstatelydude. Veteran rider Jordan Sigmon, foreman for Rodolphe Brisset, returns with a new partner Lanse Mitan. Jocelyn Brooks also returns to ride in the silks of her employer Airdrie Stud with her Perpetual Optimism.

1/ST Racing is furnishing an entire team coming in from the West Coast, consisting of Jodie Vella-Gregory, Manager of Innovation; Aaron Gryder, Vice President, Industry Relations and former jockey; and Dr. Dionne Benson, Chief Veterinary Officer.

It’s not just competitors representing the best of the racing industry, either: known as “the voice of Fasig-Tipton,” Terence Collier will announce the Kentucky Real Rider Cup event.

There’s still time to get involved: the Real Rider Cup is welcoming riders who still want to participate in the July 9 event, with fundraising open through the Maryland leg in mid-September. Title sponsorships are available for the Kentucky event as well. Donate now to show your support for your favorite rider or team and benefit Thoroughbred aftercare, and come out to the event in person to cheer everyone on: get started now at 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 501(c)3 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 world’s largest and most lucrative retraining competition for recently-retired racehorses, the organization also publishes Off-Track Thoroughbred Magazine, produces the Master Class retraining clinic series, and presents programming at major horse expos and events around the country. The RRP maintains an educational library of content to empower more equestrians to ride a Thoroughbred.

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.