"Our mission is to promote our sport in a positive light.  To show the versatility of Thoroughbreds and to raise money for Thoroughbred retraining and rehoming charities, all while having fun."

Real Rider Cup – HOME PAGE

The brainchild of Anita Motion, the Real Rider Cup is a charity show jumping event that invites racing industry personalities to team up with an off-track Thoroughbred and compete over a course of jumps, while raising funds to benefit Thoroughbred aftercare. Each rider — employees of breeding farms and racing stables, trainers, jockeys, owners, members of racing media, and more — pledges to raise a minimum of $1,000, which directly supports Real Rider Cup beneficiaries: Fair Hill Thoroughbred Show, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, and the Retired Racehorse Project. Since its inception in 2017, the Real Rider Cup has raised more than $225,000 for these organizations. The Real Rider Cup is returning to an in-person celebration in 2022 after its virtual format during the pandemic! This year’s event will run in two segments: a Kentucky leg, held at New Vocations’ facility at Mereworth Farm on July 9; and a Maryland leg, held at Fair Hill Thoroughbred Show on September 16. The winners from each event will then face off in a virtual competition to determine the Real Rider Champion! Interested in showing your support?
  • Compete: learn more about how the Real Rider Cup works and register to compete

Real Rider Cup Beneficiaries

Congratulations to our 2022 Real Rider Cup Champions!

The Real Rider Cup organizing committee extends its deepest gratitude to the 63 riders who collectively raised over $160,000 for Thoroughbred aftercare. Combined with corporate sponsorships, the 2022 Real Rider Cup raised over $170,000, bringing the total raised by the event to $410,000 since its inception in 2017.

Thank you to our 2022 Real Rider Cup Sponsors