"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. Rider sign-ups will be open in late May