The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, one of the world's most prestigious equestrian competitions, has been named one of the Top 10 Festivals and Events for Spring 2009 by the Kentucky Tourism Council.
The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, part of the HSBC FEI Classics™ Series, is set to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park, April 23-26. It was named as one of the Top 10 Events for Spring because this premiere event is the only four-star three-day event in the Americas and because it brings international attention to Lexington and the Bluegrass State each spring. While attracting crowds in excess of 100,000, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event also features an International Sponsor Village and Trade Fair with more than 150 booths and various exciting demonstrations.
"We are proud to continue our commitment to providing outstanding entertainment as well as world-class equestrian competition," said Event Director Jane Atkinson. "The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event has long been recognized as a magnet for tourism dollars. This honor gives the event an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners."
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 is awarded $80,000 and the winning rider receives 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 spectators from all over the world and is seen by millions more on worldwide telecasts, including a one-hour special on NBC-TV in the United States on Sunday, May 3, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. EST.
For more information on the 2009 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, please visit the Rolex Kentucky website at www.rk3de.org.