Rolex Kentucky, presented by Bridgestone, takes center stage April 25-29 at the Kentucky Horse Park when North America’s premier international four-star event showcases an international roster of horses and riders. The stakes are high with $250,000 in prize money, plus the lure of the jackpot of $350,000 for anyone who wins the Grand Slam of Eventing – Rolex, Badminton, Burghley – in any consecutive order in one year’s time.
Boyd Martin. Photo by Lauren R. Giannini
In addition to Rolex being the USEF National CCI**** Eventing Championship, it’s also a major stepping stone in the US Selection Trial process to determine the three-day team for the London Olympics. The other selection trials are the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (UK), Jersey Fresh CCI3* and the Saumur CCI3* in France. For the Americans, a lot rides on Rolex.
In addition to world-class competition, Rolex is simply one of the greatest shows on earth and extremely spectator-friendly with all sorts of entertainment from the Prince Philip Cup Pony Club Mounted Games to the Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup and the ever-popular Freestyle Championship, contested Friday and Saturday evenings at KHP’s Alltech Arena. If you’re into tailgating, you can reserve your spot at various superior vantage points in the four-star cross-country course, then enjoy Exile in concert. The International Sponsor Village and Trade Fair will offer a variety of demonstrations, and spectators can shop ‘til they drop, and take advantage of the numerous opportunities to meet top riders for signings and course walks sponsored by SmartPak and Eventing Nation. Be sure to check in at Rolex Information Booths for the day’s running order and schedule.
– By Lauren R. Giannini
