Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Returns to Kentucky Horse Park

Updated: February 23, 2009

From Classic Communications

Lexington, KY - February 23, 2009- The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, part of the HSBC FEI ClassicsTM Series and one of the world's most prestigious equestrian competitions, is set to return to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, April 23-26.

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event features the world's best horses and riders vying for their share of $250,000 in prize money and a chance at the $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing. The winning owner will be awarded $80,000 and the winning rider will receive a classic Rolex timepiece.            

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event will run a CCI****, the 12th championship for the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation Pinnacle Cup, signifying the zenith in Eventing competition in the United States. The event draws over 100,000 spectators and is seen by millions more on worldwide telecasts including a one-hour special on NBC in the United States.            

"This year's Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event promises to be the biggest and most exciting ever," said Jane Atkinson, Executive Vice President of Equestrian Events, Inc.(EEI), producer of the event.  "With a brand new stadium and other improvements to the Kentucky Horse Park, spectators can expect an unprecedented experience.  As anticipation continues to build for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the level of competition at Rolex should be at an all-time high!"      

(Right: Last year's Rolex Kentucky CCI4* winners Phillip Duttonm & Bruce Duchossois's Connaught. Josh Walker photo.)     

The only Four Star Event in the Western Hemisphere, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is the premier competition for the top horses and riders in Eventing.  Past winners include United States Olympic Medalists David and Karen O'Connor, Kim Severson, Phillip Dutton, New Zealand's Blyth Tait and Nick Larkin, Pippa Funnell of Great Britain and Andrew Hoy and Clayton Fredericks of Australia.              

The $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing is awarded to any rider who wins theRolex Kentucky, Mitsubishi Motors Badminton and Land Rover Burghley Four Star Events in succession.  In 2003, Pippa Funnell of Great Britain, became the first, and to date only, rider to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing.

In addition to the heart pounding equestrian action, one of the most popular attractions at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is the Kentucky Three-Day Event Shop. The Shop offers all manner of clothing, accessories and gift items sporting the EEI logo with the competition title, "Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event," curved around the top of the logo.            

"We are looking forward to having everyone come out to enjoy the Kentucky Horse Park to watch one of the world's most exciting events," said Atkinson. "In addition to watching the world-class equestrian competition and strolling through the more than 150 shops and boutiques, equine enthusiasts can tour the world-renowned Kentucky Horse Park, stroll the beautiful grounds and catch a glimpse of magnificent horses all around!"           

(Left: Spectators cheer on their favorite riders during Sunday's show jumping phase. Here Stephen Bradley and From jumped well to finish in 8th place last year. Josh Walker photo)

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