Lexington, KY - Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, is pleased to announce that the 2012 Hagyard Challenge Series will feature a high point Thoroughbred Award. The Hagyard Challenge Series consists of seven grand prix classes to be held during the 2012 show series at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the final event, a $10,000 prize will be presented to the high point Thoroughbred participating in the Series. To be eligible for the Thoroughbred award, horses must be registered with the Jockey Club or have a verifiable lip tattoo.

Dr. Stuart Brown, President of Hagyard commented, "This award is in keeping with Hagyard's commitment to Thoroughbreds. Since we were founded in 1876, we have had a vested interest in the Thoroughbred industry through the relationships with our traditional clients in the Bluegrass. We want to encourage and reward those who seek opportunities for second careers for these horses in athletic endeavors beyond flat racing."

The kick-off event, the $50,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic, was held last week during the Kentucky Spring Classic. Beezie Madden currently leads the standings for the $50,000 Leading Rider Bonus, after winning the first competition with Simon.

Tonight, the Kentucky Spring Classic, will host the second class, the $32,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic, CSI 2*. Later in the year, four more Hagyard Lexington Classic grand prix events will be held during the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show, and the KHJA Horse Show. The Series concludes with the $50,000 World Cup Qualifier held on September 21, 2012, during the Kentucky National Horse Show. Following that exciting competition, the winner for the $50,000 Leading Rider Award and the $10,000 high point Thoroughbred will be announced and presented with the prize by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.

Hagyard Equine Medical Institute is one of the oldest and largest equine veterinary practices in the world. Founded in 1876, the institute offers a staff with qualifications unparalleled by any single non-university veterinary group in the equine industry, and Hagyard veterinarians have dedicated themselves to the health and well being of the horse for more than 135 years.

The facility at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute offers 13 Digital Radiology systems, 1.5 Tesla Siemens Open MRI, Nuclear Scintigraphy, a high speed treadmill, an on-site laboratory, an on-site pharmacy, full surgical services, 24-hour ambulance and emergency services, and Hyperbaric Medicine. The institute has practiced veterinary medicine for more than 135 years and is currently composed of over 50 experienced veterinarians, with 12 board certifications in specialty areas of Medicine, Surgery, Critical Care, and Theriogenology.

For more information about the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, please visit  http://hagyard.com.