6 SIDELINES MAY 2012
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Rolex Kentucky
R
olex Kentucky, presented by Bridgestone,
takes center stage April 25-29 at the
Kentucky Horse Park when North America’s
premier international four-star event showcases an
international roster of horses and riders. The stakes
are high with $250,000 in prize money, plus the lure
of the jackpot of $350,000 for anyone who wins the
Grand Slam of Eventing – Rolex, Badminton, and
Burghley – in any consecutive order in one year’s
time
.
In addition to Rolex being the USEF National CCI****
Eventing Championship, it’s also a major stepping
stone in the US Selection Trial process to determine
the three-day team for the London Olympics. The
other selection trials are the Mitsubishi Motors
Badminton Horse Trials (UK), Jersey Fresh CCI3*
and the Saumur CCI3* in France. For the Americans,
a lot rides on Rolex.
In addition to world-class competition, Rolex is simply
one of the greatest shows on earth and extremely spectator
friendly with all sorts of entertainment from the Prince Philip
Cup Pony Club Mounted Games to the Ariat Kentucky
Reining Cup and the ever popular Freestyle Championship
contest Friday and Saturday evenings at KHP’s Alltech
Arena. If you’re into tailgating, you can reserve your
spot at various superior vantage points in the four-star
cross-country course, then enjoy Exile in concert. The
International Sponsor Village and Trade Fair will offer a
variety of demonstrations and spectators can shop ‘til they
drop and take advantage of the numerous opportunities to
meet top riders for signings and course walks sponsored
by SmartPak and Eventing Nation. Be sure to check in at
Rolex Information Booths for the day’s running order and
schedule.
Photos by Lauren R. Giannini, except where noted
otherwise
Buck Davidson, in the ‘iron man’ tradition, came off
surgery and treatment for a shattered collarbone in mid-
February, returning to the saddle asap to keep his focus
on Rolex and the Olympics with Titanium (pictured),
16th at 2010 Rolex and Absolute Liberty, 2011 USEA #1
mare in 2011, Pan Am gold medal team, and potential
four-star debutante.
Photo by Elisabeth Harpham
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