One of only seven five star events in the world annually, the defender Kentucky three day event presented by Mars Equestrian attracts the creme de la creme to compete here in Lexington each year. German Olympic champion, Michael Young, is no stranger to Kentucky. He won a gold medal here at the World Equestrian Games in 2010. This week, Hillride has Paris Olympics gold medal winning partner, Fischer Chipmunk, FRH, to try to add a record breaking fifth Kentucky title to his name. The world number one, Great Britain's double Olympic team gold medalist, Tom McEwan, is returning to Lexington having finished second here twice previously.
He'll be aiming to go one better this week on Brookfield quality. Likewise, New Zealander Tim Price, the world number two, has finished on the podium several times but has yet to lift the trophy. Leading US Rider Boyd Martin has three horses entered and will be vying to keep the spoils on home turf. For the first time ever this week, the best weekend all year will gallop into history books by simultaneously hosting a five star show jumping competition as well. The entry list for the Grand Prix, which takes place Saturday night under the lights in the Rolex Arena, is unsurprisingly star studded, jam packed with Olympic riders from all over the world, and the best in The USA.
Competition starts Wednesday and finishes Sunday afternoon at the Kentucky Horse Park.
Samantha will be bringing us daily updates from the Park this week and a full round up next Monday morning.
