Lexington, KY – A sure sign of the rising popularity of equestrian sport across the nation, NBC Sports will air its first ever double-header for eventing and show jumping on May 8, showcasing two of the United States’ most prestigious events in 2005. The two-for-one broadcast will feature highlights from the 2005 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Farnam and the 2005 FEI Budweiser World Cup Show Jumping Final from Las Vegas and is scheduled to air from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Each considered the foremost face-off for their respective disciplines in 2005, Rolex and World Cup have reputations for drawing in the world’s most talented competitors, featuring Olympic medalists and national and international competitors of the highest caliber. Some of this year’s headliner Olympians to be featured include: the United States’ own McLain Ward (Show Jumping Team Silver, Athens 2004), Kim Severson (Eventing Individual Silver and Team Bronze, Athens 2004), Darren Chiacchia, Amy Tryon and John Williams (Eventing Team Bronze; Athens 2004), and Anne Kursinski (Two-time Show Jumping Team Silver, Seoul 1988 and Atlanta 1996), and international Olympians Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil (Show Jumping Individual Silver; Athens 2004), Leslie Law of Great Britain (Eventing Individual Gold and Team Silver; Athens 2004) and Phillip Dutton of Australia (Eventing Team Gold; Sydney 2000 and Atlanta 1996).

This is a not-to-be-missed television event on NBC Sports, and the first broadcast of its kind for equestrian sports in the United States. Mark your calendars: May 8, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. EDT.
~~~For more information, please contact Sarah Lane, Public Relations Manager by phone at (859) 225-6974 or via e-mail at [email protected]. USEF press releases are available on our web site – www.usef.org.