Mark your calendars for the $50,000 CSI-W Lexington Grand Prix, which is a World Cup Qualifier and the final class in the Hagyard Challenge Series. Scheduled for September 18, 2009, at 7:30 p.m., this event will be the very first grand prix held in the new indoor arena at the Kentucky Horse Park. All spectators are welcome and are encouraged to fill the stands.

Sponsored by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, the Hagyard Challenge Series is a summer-long competition that includes seven grand prix events. The leading rider of the entire series will win a $50,000 Leading Rider Bonus at the conclusion of the final class, the Kentucky National Horse Show's $50,000 CSI-W Lexington Grand Prix.

During the event, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute and the Markey Cancer Foundation will be hosting the first annual gala honoring Betsy Fishback, a beloved member of the sport horse community. Fishback was an enthusiastic horsewoman and friend to all who knew her. She lost her battle with breast cancer in January of this year. Her husband, Dr. David Fishback, has worked at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute since 1975.

Please make a note of this special date and plan to join the equestrian community as they celebrate Betsy Fishback. The evening's gala will offer excellent food and cocktails, as well as a live auction and the excitement of grand prix show jumping. All proceeds from the gala will support cancer patient care and research at the Markey Cancer Foundation. Additional information on sponsorship opportunities and ticket sales will be available soon.

The Hagyard Challenge Series is sponsored by the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, one of the top equine veterinary institutes in the country. Supporters of the $50,000 Leading Rider Bonus include: Holiday Inn Georgetown Hotel; Dean, Dorton, & Ford; Fifth Third Bank; Fort Dodge Animal Health; Hagyard Pharmacy; Kathleen Sullivan, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney; Turf Town Properties; Air 51 and Audi of Lexington.

For more information on the Hagyard Challenge Series, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Additional information on Hagyard Equine Medical Institute is available at www.hagyard.com.

To learn more about the Markey Cancer Foundation, visit their official website at www.markeycancerfoundation.org.