Lexington, KY – Following a hotly contested open to the 2005 competition season in the warmer climates, and a highly-anticipated fight for the prize at the World Cup Finals in April, claiming the title of U.S. National Champion will be yet another challenge facing some of equestrian sport’s best athletes in June. Truly a headliner competition for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) this year, the new $150,000 Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship is sure to become one of every top competitor’s definite stops on the show circuit. The making of a true Championship tradition starts this year, as Horse Shows in the Sun’s HITS-on-the-Hudson equestrian center in Saugerties, NY, hosts the 2005 Championship, June 8-12.

“For so many years Rolex has been a wonderful partner and sponsor for the USEF, and we are extremely pleased they are participating as title sponsor of this prestigious event. The facility HITS has developed in Saugerties is among the best anywhere in the world and it’s a wonderful venue for the 2005 National Championship,” says USEF CEO John Long. “We are committed to making the Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship one of the jewels in any rider’s crown.”

To accommodate the standards required of such a high-profile championship, HITS has been constructing a brand new complex in Saugerties. During the last few years alone, the growing company has poured millions into developing this one-of-a-kind facility.

“HITS is thrilled to have its Saugerties location recognized by the Federation and equally thrilled to host the National Show Jumping Championship,” says Tony Hitchcock, Vice President of HITS. “We are positive that the top show jumping athletes both human and equine will be accommodated in a style that is absolutely fitting to the importance of this National Championship competition.”

Qualified athletes from the United States and across the world will be eligible to compete in the first two legs of this Championship on Wednesday and Friday, June 8 and 10, vying for a combined total of $50,000 in prize money. The crowning competition, limited to two-thirds of the top-placed national competitors, will take place on Sunday, June 12th, and will offer a final purse of $100,000, and ultimately, the title of Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Champion.

For more information from USEF, contact Sarah Lane, Public Relations Manager, by phone at (859) 225-6974, or via e-mail at [email protected]. USEF press releases can be found on our website, www.usef.org.

For more information from HITS, please contact HORSE SHOWS IN THE SUN: HITS Corporate Headquarters, 319 Main Street, Saugerties, New York 12477. Tel: 845-246-8833; Fax: 845-246-6371; Email: [email protected].
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