January 15, 2016–For the second year in a row, Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), producer of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Land Rover, is increasing the prize money for America’s only Four-Star Event.
Photo Copyright Ben RadvanyiThe second consecutive $50,000 increase brings the 2016 purse to $350,000, with the winner receiving $110,000. Known as the “Best Weekend All Year,” Rolex Kentucky returns to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky., April 28-May 1.
“It’s due to the commitment of our longtime RK3DE enthusiasts, our growing base of new fans, and the continuous support of Rolex Watch USA and Land Rover North America that we are able to increase the prize money for our event for a second straight year,” said EEI President Stewart Perry. “We proudly award prize money to the top 20 finishers and this record level of prize money fits with our position as one of the sport’s premier events.”
Rolex Kentucky hosts many of the world’s best horses and riders each year as they compete for their share of the $350,000 in prize money. Riders also have a chance at winning the $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing, which is awarded to any rider who wins the Rolex Kentucky, Mitsubishi Motors Badminton and Land Rover Burghley Four-Star Events in succession.
A 2016 Olympic trial, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is one of the most prestigious equestrian competitions in the world. The Fédération Equestre Internationale (International Equestrian Federation – FEI), the world’s governing body of equestrian sports, has designated the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event as a “Four Star” eventing competition, the sport’s highest designation, which is given only to the Olympic Games, World Championships, and six annual events around the world.
Ticket sales for 2016 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event opened in November and have maintained a record-breaking pace. Ticket options include four-day, three-day, and single-day general admission as well as group rates and reserved grandstand seating. Ground admission tickets include parking, admission to the grounds, International Trade Fair and the Kentucky Horse Park. To watch the competition in the Rolex Stadium, a reserve stadium seat in addition to the Grounds Admission ticket needs to be purchased.
