05.12.09
Only 500 Days to Go
The excitement continues to build as we cross this important threshold. With only 500 days to go lots of things are coming together nicely and all indications are that everything for the Games will be in place for their start. So stay tuned, as there will be more to come as we count down to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010 and the Kentucky World Equestrian Games of the Future.
05.02.09
THE LARGEST ANNUAL SHOWCASE OF THE EGYPTIAN ARABIAN HORSE, LEXINGTON, KY
News Release:
The Pyramid Society invites the local community to celebrate “40 years of Magic” at The Egyptian Event, the largest annual showcase of Egyptian Arabian horses in the world, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, from June 1st – 6th, 2009. All audiences are welcomed to attend with free admission.
As one of the most important events on the international Arabian horse event calendar, the very essence and foundation of the Arabian horse is displayed through over 60 classes of international competition, the enormously popular Egyptian Breeders’ Challenge Live Stallion Auction, exquisite shopping, daily educational seminars and numerous youth activities.
The wildly popular stallion presentation individually displays each striking Straight Egyptian stallion providing an excellent opportunity for audience members to get up close and personal with these beautiful, rare horses.
Complimentary seminars offered daily provide expert information surrounding breeding Egyptian Arabian horses and in-depth lessons on the history of these important horses. The 2009 Egyptian Event seminars feature international guest speakers and cover material on conformation, the tradition of naming Arabian horses, the legacy of the stallion, Morafic, and much more.
The Egyptian Event offers excitement for the whole family, plan to bring your children for a tour of Hagyard, Davidson & McGee Equine Hospital, visit the Hall of Champions at the Kentucky Horse Park and enjoy a horse-drawn tour of the Park. For more information on youth activities, contact The Pyramid Society office.
04.25.09
Kentucky Horse Park’s New Stadium
I had my first chance today to get a up close look at the new stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park while out for the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event and to say my first impression was wow would not do it justice. The new stadium makes you feel the Horse Park is starting to blossom into the kind of World Class facility we all knew it could be. I know a lot of peope in these economic times are questioning the money that is being spent on the Horse Park, but I can say the stadium gives you the feel that the money being spent is being well spent and of course the majority of that money is going to jobs right here in Central Kentucky. Tomorrow I am going to experience the stadium in action as I will be in attendance for the final day of the Rolex, Show Jumping, which will take place in the Stadium.
Thomas
04.24.09
Spring time in Kentucky, how wonderful it is!
The weather continues to be just wonderful for the Kentucky Rolex Three-Day Event though it has started to get hot. The weather for tomorrow’s Cross Country is forecast to be mid 80’s and windy under a bright sun, so everyone wear your sun screen and we will see you there.
04.23.09
Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Opens
The 2009 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is now in full swing and the weather forecast looks to be marvelous for the entire event. We hope everyone can make it out to see the new facilities and support this totally Kentucky Tradition.
04.09.09
2009 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Named One of Kentucky Tourism Council’s Top 10 Festivals and Events for Spring 2009
Lexington, KY-April 9, 2009-The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian competitions, has been named one of the Top 10 Festivals and Events for Spring 2009 by the Kentucky Tourism Council.
03.09.09
Kentucky Ale Will Be the Official Beer…
Alltech, the title sponsor of the 2010 Games, owns the Alltech’s Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company that produces Kentucky Ale, Kentucky Light, and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale. Kentucky Ale products will be the exclusive beer available to the general public at the Kentucky Horse Park during the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
“For four years in a row, Alltech’s Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company has been awarded the Taste of the Bluegrass ‘Best Alcoholic Beverage’ distinction,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech. “We are excited to provide our global visitors with the opportunity to taste an authentic Kentucky brew as the Official Beer of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.”
Kentucky Ale, Kentucky Light and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale are Lexington’s only locally-brewed beers. Located in the heart of downtown, Alltech’s Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company has been creating award-winning beers since 2000 when its flagship beer, Kentucky Ale, was released. Kentucky Light debuted in 2003, and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale completed Kentucky’s Triple Crown of Beers in 2006.
The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit
www.alltechfeigames.comWorld Games 2010 Foundation
Amy Walker
859-255-2010 ext. 235
awalker@feigames2010.org
Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Web Site
Amy Walker
859-255-2010 ext. 235
awalker@feigames2010.org
The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc. and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. For more information on the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com.
02.25.09
World Games 2010 Foundation 2nd Community Forum
I attended the second World Games 2010 Foundation Community Forum at the Lexington Public Library today. Tom Martin, editor of Business Lexington was the moderator for the hour long event. The forum panel was made up of new Foundation CEO Jamie Link, Vice President of Sales Terry Johnson, and Housing Bureau Director Krista Greathouse.
The primary topic of the day was the economy though by the end of the hour a wide range of subjects had been discussed. Tom noted that the Foundation and the Local Government were still working out the intricacies between the two bodies. The Host City Agreement is before the Lexington Urban Council but has yet to come up for a final vote.
Currently spectator interest in the Games continues to be high with Krista stating that they are averaging a new group a week contacting them for accommodations, with 75% of those groups being International as well as 2000 new room requests per month. Krista also noted that the area should have plenty of accommodations for all those planning on attending and that currently they had three times as many private residences for rent then the current demand though she expected that to change as the date for the Games got closer.
On the other side of the equation, Terry stated they were 70% of their budgeted goal for sponsorships and that two or three new major sponsors would be announced in the next 90 days. He also reported that they have deposits for 60% of the currently designated Trade Fair booth space and that if they filled that up that they would find additional space for anyone else looking for booth space during the Games.
On another interesting note, the City is planning on having a duplicate medal ceremonies downtown at the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza during the Games.
CEO Jamie Link closed the forum by addressing the issue of the economy and how the investment in the Games was an investment in the future of Kentucky during these tough times.
Thomas Demond
Found KyWEGO
02.23.09
2009 Rolex Kentucky 3-Day Event
Lexington, KY – February 23, 2009- The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, part of the HSBC FEI ClassicsTM Series and one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian competitions, is set to return to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, April 23-26.
02.16.09
2009 Rolex 3-Day Event Changes
Lexington, KY-February 16, 2009 – As a result of construction projects at the Kentucky Horse Park, Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) is announcing some major changes for the 2009 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, the only annual Four Star Three-Day Event in the Americas. Scheduled for April 23-26, the event draws over 100,000 spectators and is seen by millions more on worldwide telecasts, including a one-hour special on NBC in the United States.
Honored with the 2008 Best of Lexington Award in the Special Events category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA), Equestrian Events continues to move forward and adapt to the changes at the Horse Park that will be fully completed by the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Even before it is the Test Event in 2010 for the Eventing World Championships, Rolex Kentucky 2009 will be the first time some of the Park changes come into play. Some of the changes in 2009:
The Stadium
The arena where the Dressage and Jumping Tests for Rolex Kentucky were previously held is being totally rebuilt to create a new Stadium. This new facility, in the same location as the previous arena, will be a whole new experience for spectators, as well as horses and riders, and is leading to some sweeping changes for 2009 and beyond.
Prior to the start of construction, the Lake Grandstand-constructed from funds donated by Equestrian Events, Inc., the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation and legions of supporters of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event-was carefully and painstakingly dismantled. Located on the south side of the arena with the Park’s picturesque lake behind it, each piece of the Lake Grandstand was numbered and coded and is being stored for re-assembly at a later date at one of the Park’s other outdoor arenas. The Lake Grandstand has 2,325 bench seats, 1,883 of them covered and 24 spaces for disabled seating.
New Permanent Grandstand
A new permanent grandstand structure, with 7,289 chair seats, 4,630 of which will be covered, plus 102 spaces for disabled seating, is being constructed on the north side of the stadium where the Patron Club and Equestrian Club tents and their temporary grandstand seating were located. The Park Grandstand also houses restrooms and concession areas underneath the second tier of seating. There will be three entrances to the grandstand. The entry level goes directly to the uppermost row of the first tier of seating and disabled seating is on that level. Stairs at the entry level go up to the first row of the second tier of seating.
Temporary Uncovered Grandstand Seating
Rolex Kentucky organizer Equestrian Events, Inc. is renting uncovered grandstands to provide a total of 15,000 seats in the new Stadium. These stands will be located on the south side of the arena by the Park’s lake and on the west side of the arena.
New Arena Surface
A new arena surface will greet horses and riders at Rolex Kentucky 2009, but the surface isn’t new to the Horse Park or to the horses and riders that competed in the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany. The German company OTTO Sport-und Reitplatz GMBH is installing its state-of-the-art riding surface on the Stadium arena and the attached warm-up area and will have its inaugural use at the 2009 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. However, the same surface was installed in 2008 in the Park’s Walnut Ring and used extensively last year, to wide acclaim, for Jumper classes at various A and AA-rated hunter/jumper shows at the Park.
Patron Club and Equestrian Club Tents Moved
Due to its size, the Park Grandstand utilizes all the ground from the edge of the original arena back to Nina Bonnie Boulevard, ground where the Patron Club and Equestrian Club tents and uncovered grandstand seating were previously located. The Patron Club and Equestrian Club tents are being relocated across Nina Bonnie Boulevard to the fence line surrounding the High Hope Steeplechase Course. The tents will overlook the infield of the course, where several major obstacles on the Rolex Kentucky Cross-Country course are located. Grandstand seating for Patron Club and Equestrian Club subscribers will be an additional charge, allowing these Event attendees to choose which grandstand seating they prefer and to sit with friends who are not subscribers to these two ticket options. Video screens will be located in each tent to provide almost larger-than-life viewing of each day’s competition.
East Side of Stadium
The East side of the Stadium, where temporary grandstands have previously been located, will now be used for the Patron Plus tent, a private hospitality tent, along with the grandstand for Riders, Owners, Grooms and Competitor Guests.
South Side of Stadium
The configuration of the lake side of the arena is changed, and two grandstands with increased seating will be located here along with the Doggery, the grandstand targeted especially for dogs and their human companions.
West Side of Stadium
The permanent Sponsor Hospitality Pavilion, previously located on the north side of the arena, has made way for the new Park Grandstand, requiring the creation of a new Sponsor Pavilion on the west side of the arena. The West Grandstand that was located near the lake remains in the same relative position, but increased in height by one row (36 rows) and in width by 6′.
Most visitors to the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Website have already been introduced to the newest ticket purchasing option from Equestrian Events, Inc., online ticket sales. While the Ticket Order Form may still be downloaded and mailed or faxed to the EEI Office, and orders may still be placed via telephone, those who like the ease and speed of placing orders online now have that option.
“We are proud of our longstanding commitment to providing outstanding entertainment as well as world-class equestrian competition,” said Event Director, Jane Atkinson. “The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event has always been produced by Equestrian Events, Inc. with a strong commitment to giving spectators an exciting and comfortable experience and we believe that these changes will go a long way in accomplishing that goal.
The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event features this country’s best horses and riders and international stars vying for their share of $250,000 in prize money and a chance at the $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing. The winning owner is awarded $65,000 and the winning rider receives a Rolex timepiece. The classic Kentucky Julep Cup is presented by Equestrian Events, Inc. to the winning owner and winning rider as a reminder of their accomplishment.
For more information on the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, please visit the Rolex Kentucky website at www.rk3de.org. To receive the ticket brochure for the 2009 Event, send your name and address to Equestrian Events, Inc., P.O. Box 12110, Lexington, KY 40580-2110, (859) 254-8123 (9:00 am – 4:00 pm, M-F), (859) 254-5116 (fax), or rktickets@alltel.net.
02.04.09
Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital … Test Events
LEXINGTON, KY-Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital will provide veterinary services for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games test events, as announced today by the World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc.
As the Official Equine Hospital and Veterinary Partner for 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, Rood and Riddle has extended its partnership with the Games to provide veterinary services for a series of test events beginning in 2009. The test events, each called The Kentucky Cup, will allow the World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc. to prepare for the world championships coming to the Kentucky Horse Park in 2010.
“Rood and Riddle is very pleased to provide the veterinary services for The Kentucky Cup test events,” said Dr. Tom Riddle. “Our entire staff of veterinarians looks forward with great excitement to serving the sport horse industry, both at the test events and the 2010 Games.”
Lexington-based Rood & Riddle is a full-service equine hospital established in 1986 as a referral center for horses requiring specialized medical and surgical care. Today, Rood & Riddle is known and respected throughout the world for its innovative and highly skilled treatment of horses. The hospital facility offers a full range of services including surgery, internal medicine, advanced diagnostic imaging, a focused Podiatry Center and a specialized Reproductive Center. The practice also provides ambulatory services (on-site care) for breeding farms, sport horse facilities, horse shows and events, with a variety of services, including emergency and preventative care, general reproduction, lameness, radiography, podiatry, and internal medicine.
“We are very fortunate to extend our partnership with Rood and Riddle through the test events for the 2010 Games, and to have the services of such a high-caliber equine hospital available to our equine athletes,” said Competition Director Kate Jackson.
The competitions will begin in 2009 and run through the 2010 Rolex Three-Day Event. All events will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park. Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital will manage the veterinary needs for all test events. A complete schedule of all Kentucky Cup test events is available at www.feigames2010.org.
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines competed at a single site-both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park.
The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and other current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc. and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.feigames2010.org.
Media Contact:
World Games 2010 Foundation
Amy Walker
859-255-2010 ext. 235
02.03.09
COMPETITION SCHEDULE REVISED FOR 2010 GAMES
LEXINGTON, KY-The World Games 2010 Foundation today announced a revision to the competition schedule for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
The new schedule moves the Reining competition to September 25-30, and shifts the Vaulting competition to October 1-10. No other discipline schedules were altered.
As an added benefit, NBC Sports will extend its coverage of the 2010 Games on September 26th, adding an extra 30 minutes of Games programming. The broadcast, tentatively scheduled for noon-1:30 p.m., will feature the opening ceremonies, and highlights from the Reining and Endurance competitions.
“We are very confident that this is strong schedule, providing a variety of top sport on each day of the Games,” said Competition Director Kate Jackson.
To view the updated competition schedule, please, click here.
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines competed at a single site-both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park.
The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and other current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc. and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.feigames2010.org.
01.24.09
ALLTECH FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES LAUNCHES NEW WEB SITE
LEXINGTON, KY—The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games has a new look on the Web! Today the World Games 2010 Foundation officially launched a new Web site for the 2010 Games, at www.feigames2010.org.
Visitors to the new Web site will find valuable educational materials about the eight world championships to be contested in 2010. Curious fans can get a sneak peak of what the Kentucky Horse Park will look like in 2010, with an interactive venue map, stadium and arena renderings, and links to the horse park’s construction updates.
In depth information regarding business, retail, and community opportunities is also available, including the 2010 Games Trade Show.
Visitors will also be able to use the new Web site to plan their trips to Kentucky in 2010. Information about the 2010 Games Housing Bureau and hotel options, traveling to Kentucky, and local tourism resources are all available on the new site.
“We wanted the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Web site to be a tool for everyone interested, whether you want to learn more about the Games, want to be involved in the Games, or want to plan your trip to Kentucky,” said Danielle Landolt, Marketing and Sales Manager for the Foundation. “We will continue to provide information that is relevant and exciting on the new Web site from now until 2010.”
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines competed at a single site—both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park.
The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and other current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere and Ariat International, Inc. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.feigames2010.org.
01.22.09
ALLTECH FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES FORMS PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
LEXINGTON, KY—The World Games 2010 Foundation today announced a partnership with the University of Kentucky and UK HealthCare for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
“The University of Kentucky is pleased to partner with the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games,” said President Lee T. Todd, Jr. “As the Commonwealth’s flagship university, we share in the state’s commitment to make the Games the world’s premier sporting event in 2010. This international competition places Kentucky on the world stage, and we are ready to help showcase our state.”
The university’s sponsorship includes a broad range of partnerships across UK’s departments and organizations. In addition, UK HealthCare will be the “Official Medical Provider” of the 2010 Games, and will provide first aid and medical services for spectators, fans, and participants during the Games including personnel and equipment. UK will donate more than 7,000 hours in medical personnel time during the Games.
Dr. Mike Karpf, UK executive vice president of health affairs, said, “UK HealthCare is excited to play a significant role in the operations of the 2010 Games. As we welcome thousands of guests to our community, I can assure you that UK HealthCare is fully prepared to provide the medical and emergency care for our visitors.”
UK’s College of Agriculture will also be the “Official Equine Initiative” of the 2010 Games, partnering with the Games and others in the equine industry to discover, share, and apply new knowledge to enhance the health, performance, and management of horses. UK’s Office of Commercialization and Economic Development will also work with the 2010 Games to provide access to the Coldstream Research Campus as needed.
Other UK Colleges, departments and campus units, including Foreign Language, Arts and Sciences, Fine Arts, Design, as well as the Career Services Department, will provide assistance and support for the 2010 Games when appropriate.
“We are very grateful to the University of Kentucky for this significant pledge of support to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games,” said Jamie Link, CEO of the World Games 2010 Foundation. “We are confident this partnership will help the university expand its programs, enhance learning opportunities, and garner recognition as the first-class university it is.”
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines competed at a single site—both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park.
The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and other current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere and Ariat International, Inc. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.feigames2010.org.
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