For the seventh year running Land Rover North America will return as presenting sponsor of the 2016 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, continuing their longstanding support of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and equestrian sports. The event will run from April 28th – May 1st, 2016 at the state-of-the-art Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.
Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), producer of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Land Rover, is delighted to increase the prize money for America’s only Four-Star Event. The prize money has risen again from 2015 by $50,000 and now brings the 2016 prize pot to $350,000, with the winner receiving $110,000.
“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.”
“This will be the seventh year that Land Rover is supporting the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day event. We are proud to continue our long established relationship with Kentucky and the equestrian community,” said Kim McCullough, Vice President of Marketing, Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC. “This outstanding event provides the perfect environment to showcase the capability and design of our vehicles.”
Will Coleman, USA Equestrian Event Rider prepares to ride whilst resting on the tailgate of his 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport © Tata Group
As one of six annual Four-Star Eventing competitions around the world (alongside the Olympic Games and World Championships), the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is one of the most prestigious competitions in the world.
Will Coleman, USA Equestrian Event Rider with his 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport at his Virginia based stable © Tata Group
It is therefore an official selection event for the U.S. Olympic Eventing Team, and will be attracting the world’s best riders.
Across the weekend, equestrian fans will not only have the chance to witness Olympic hopefuls, but also enjoy a range of top entertainment. Hunter Hayes, the Five Time Grammy Nominee, will be performing in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park on Saturday evening, following the Cross-Country.
Additionally, the Land Rover experiences will again be available to enjoy throughout the weekend; guests of the event will have the opportunity to drive the latest Land Rover vehicles on a specifically designed off-road demonstration course, alongside a trained driving instructor as co-pilot.
Will Coleman, USA Equestrian Event Rider rides Cooley Gideon with his 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport in the foreground © Tata Group
Now in its fifth year, Land Rover will be renewing the “Land Rover Best Ride of the Day” program, which rewards the top U.S. rider who finishes closest to the optimum time on the Cross-Country course with no jumping penalties. The award went to Will Coleman in 2015 for his exceptional ride on OBOS O’Reilly. This year’s winner will be presented with a 24-month lease of a 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport.
Will Coleman tack trunk at his Virginia based stable with his 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport in background © Tata Group
The Land Rover Tailgate and Land Rover’s off-road test drive area have been some of the most popular attractions at the event in recent years. The fifth annual “Land Rover Tailgate Challenge on Saturday April 30th, will award the most creative, best-decorated and best-catered Land Rover tailgate party.
Will Coleman tack trunk at his Virginia based stable with his 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport in background © Tata Group
Alongside the Land Rover lineup, on display at the horse park will be the all-new 2017 Jaguar F-PACE, the brand’s first-ever performance SUV and the 2017 Jaguar XE compact sports sedan. Both vehicles arriving in U.S. showrooms this spring.
For any equestrian fans unable to attend the event, the NBC telecast of the Rolex Equestrian Championships presented by Land Rover will allow those to stream and enjoy it from home on May 8th from 1:30 -3:00pm EDT.