Sponsorships Key to Success of New Standardbred Racing Sport June 3, 2014, Monticello, NY - Racing Under Saddle has seen a surge in popularity the past few years as an exhibition sport. The 2013 RUS season was supported in the United States by 47 trainers, 41 horses, and 29 riders, including fair races at Afton, Morris, and Goshen, and a series hosted by the Meadowlands culminating on Hambletonian Day. However, because it has yet to be supported by wagering, sponsorship has been the biggest challenge when trying to get races scheduled.
Getting sponsors has been and will continue to be the key to making this year’s inaugural RUS NY Fair Series a success. RUS New York is thankful to the New York Sire Stakes and to two nationally recognized brands, Draper Therapies and Horse Quencher, which have signed on as series sponsors to support RUS as a sport, and promote the RUS NY 2014 Fair Series. RUS NY is also excited to announce two new sponsors – Crawford Farms and Eric Abbatiello Racing. The leading driver at Freehold, Eric Abbatiello of Eric Abbatiello Racing, has been a supporter of RUS since 2013, and was happy to support the RUS New York 2014 Fair Series.
In addition, RUS New York is incredibly excited to announce Crawford Farms as a full series sponsor for the 2014 season. Crawford Farms has been a family-owned and operated farm since its inception in 1966. Located on more than 100 acres in Durhamville, NY, it’s in the heart of New York State, and their support for the 2014 Fair Series is greatly appreciated. Along with supporting RUS New York, Crawford Farms is also a major sponsor of the upcoming harness racing television series. They are a wonderful farm that is deeply committed to the harness racing and standardbred industry, and their sponsorship and support will help promote RUS and harness racing across the nation. RUS NY is still seeking funds to make the series a success. Benefits vary by level of sponsorship, and include mention in fair programs, across the web, and ongoing mention in all publications online and off — including social, blogging, press releases and in the winner’s circle at the conclusion of each race. All marketing is being handled by Horsefly Group, an international marketing agency, to ensure that sponsors gets their brand in front of as many potential customers as possible. Horsefly Group’s digital director, CJ Millar, is also the marketing director for RUS NY, and a licensed RUS rider as well as an avid equestrian. All sponsorship inquiries can be directed to her at cj@horseflygroup.com or 973-626-3673.
About RUS NY and Racing Under Saddle in America Founded by Helene Gregory, RUS America in conjunction with support from the USTA, oversees the sport of Racing Under Saddle in the United States (known as Montè Racing in Europe). As interest in the sport grew in America, RUS New York was formed in early 2014 to assist with the organization and management of Racing Under Saddle series and races across New York State. The main goal is to promote RUS as a sport, increase interest in Standardbred racing, and showcase the versatility of the Standardbred breed. For more information on RUS America, contact Helene Gregory at 609-439-7818 or kickan@comcast.net.
RUS NY Committee • Michelle Miller, Racing Coordinator, current RUS licensed rider • Jennifer Lowrey, RUS Advisor, current RUS licensed rider • CJ Millar, Marketing Director, current RUS licensed rider (pre-race coordinator with all RUS competitors, and winner’s circle presenter on behalf of sponsors)
http://rus-newyork.com/2014/06/03/rus-ny-2014-fair-series-seeks-sponsors-announces-two-new-sponsors/
