Rolex Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky Travel Information
Rolex Kentucky 3 day event
The Kentucky Rolex Three Day Event is held every year at the Kentucky Horse Park and is the only 4 star equestrian event held in the U.S. Many riders put it on par with the eventing competition in the Olympics. Needless to say, the Kentucky Rolex is quite an exciting and enjoyable event to catch around the end of April, usually one week before the Kentucky Derby.
Every year the Rolex Event draws around 100K people to watch the riders compete in dressage, cross country, and show jumping for $190,000 in prize money plus the chance at $250,000 more if they can place first in every event. So far this has only been done once, but several have come close!
Information for visiting the Rolex Kentucky Event
Dates and events:
The 2011 Rolex Kentucky is scheduled for April 28 – May 1. (Yes, the three-day event runs over four days!)
2011 will be the first year for the Rolex after the WEG improvements at the Kentucky Horse Park – exciting!
Costs:
Ticket prices vary between the different dates and events. Check the official Kentucky Rolex site for specific prices.
Grandstand Seating for the Rolex Kentucky:
The prices above do not include grandstand seating for the dressage or show jumping competitions. There is no open seating and no standing areas inside the stadium; you must purchase the separate ticket.
Alternatively, you can watch the riders practice in the outdoor ring before entering the stadium.
Food and Vendors:
There is a huge shopping area both indoors and out with anything equine related that you could want or need. There are many food trailers available as well but they are pricey, it is best to pack your own lunch and enjoy it while sitting by the pond or out on the grass.
Other tips for getting the most out of Rolex Kentucky:
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Programs are very cheap and explain the events in detail with a schedule of the riders – they are money well spent!
- Traffic can be bad around the Horse Park so come early
- The most poplar event tends to be the cross country and you can choose anywhere along the course that you wish to stand, putting you right up front for the action. The most popular (and competitive) areas are around the water jump and at the finish area.
- If you do not purchase a ticket for the Dressage competition in the stadium, you can still watch the riders warm up in the outdoor ring (for free) just a short distance away.
Being Safe:
There are cross guard officials everywhere to help, but always be on the lookout for horses. The cross-country course is taped off and you may stand right at the tape, but never run across and always have your eyes open.
Other Info:
Walking the cross country course at the Rolex Kentucky from jump to jump on a nice sunny day is a great and exciting way to spend a weekend. If you are near Lexington at the end of April, be sure to pop in for a visit..
You can find and order Rolex Kentucky Photos on this site to see what the event looks like.
For more information, visit the official Rolex Kentucky 3 day event official site.
