Real Rider Cup Showcases New Virtual Format
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Photo: Maggie Kimmitt
In a year that has been anything but conventional, the fourth annual Real Rider Cup will be held as a virtual event.
Last year, the competition, which was designed specifically to showcase off-the-track Thoroughbreds, raised over $55,000 for the Retired Racehorse Project and New Vocations.
Despite the new format of this year's event, the Real Rider Cup has attracted entries from across the country as well as one competitor from the U.K. Each rider will provide a video of themselves jumping a designated course, along with a biography video introducing themselves and their horse. This year, the course was designed by notable show jumping coach Richard Pickin.
"With everything being canceled this year, Anita (Motion) and I weren't sure we were able to hold the event this year," said Maggie Kimmitt, co-organizer of the Real Rider Cup. "We're really pleased we've found a way to do it, and we're thrilled with the response that we've been getting from everyone."
The virtual aspect of the show allows for unlimited entries as opposed to the 25-rider limit the show had in previous years. Returning riders include Penelope Miller, Sean Clancy, Jessica Paquette, and Sergio DeSousa.
Miller will ride the multiple grade 1-winning steeplechaser Allthewayjose in the Real Rider Cup, sporting a hairdo in the navy blue and orange silk colors of Little Red Feather Racing Stable, which sponsors her in this year's event.
DeSousa's daughter, Isabella, takes the reins on Zenyatta's son Cozmic One.
Each rider must commit to raising a minimum of $1,000 toward the event and must compete on a former Thoroughbred racehorse.
The final winner of this year's Cup will be determined by votes from the public as all competitor videos will be posted and shared on the RRC website, Facebook, and Twitter page. The victor will be announced Oct. 24.
In order to register for the event or donate, please visit therealridercup.com/2020-rrc/
For further inquiries, contact Real Rider Cup organizers Anita Motion (Anita@herringswellstables.com) and Maggie Kimmitt (Maggie@herringswellstables.com).