Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
Sure, we still have a few months of pesky winter to suffer through, but in our hearts it’s already springtime in Kentucky and the birds are singing and the four-star horses are galloping past. Here’s the just-released provisional schedule to give you something tangible to cling to as the countdown to the 2018 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event begins.
It’s mostly business as usual, but there are a few debut activities to look forward to. New this year is Saturday’s CSI3* $225,000 Invitational Show Jumping Grand Prix, to be held after cross country country, and Friday’s $35,000 1.45m FEI ranking class, held after Friday’s dressage. There is no charge for the Grand Prix or ranking class tickets, but seats must be reserved through the ticketing system ahead of time. Speaking of tickets, you can get yours here.
Wednesday, April 25
1 p.m. Cross-Country Course Open to the Public
3 p.m. First Horse Inspection — High Hope Inspection Lane
4:30–6 p.m. Competitor Arena Familiarization — Rolex Stadium
Thursday, April 26
7 a.m. Gates Open
8 a.m.–5 p.m. Hospitality Tents Open (Hospitality Ticket Required)
8 a.m. Dressage Test Ride — Rolex Stadium
8:30 a.m.–Noon Dressage Tests Begin — Rolex Stadium
8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Sponsor Village & Trade Fair Open
12:45–2:30 p.m. Demonstrations and Exhibitions — Walnut Ring unless otherwise noted
1:30–3:40 p.m. Dressage Tests Continue — Rolex Stadium
4:30–6 p.m. Arena Familiarization — Rolex Stadium
6:30–9 p.m. Barley, Barrels, and Bluegrass Dinner – The Livery (Ticket Required)
Friday, April 27
7 a.m. Gates Open
8 a.m.–5 p.m. Hospitality Tents Open (Hospitality Ticket Required)
8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Sponsor Village & Trade Fair Open
8:30 a.m.–Noon Dressage Tests Resume — Rolex Stadium
10:45 a.m.–4 p.m. Demonstrations and Exhibitions — Walnut Ring unless otherwise noted
11 a.m. Kentucky Invitational CSI3* Horse Inspection — High Hope Inspection Lane
1:30–4:30 p.m. Dressage Tests Continue
6 p.m. Kentucky Invitational CSI3* $35,000 Welcome Speed Cup 1.45m — Rolex Stadium
6:30 p.m. The Head Up Heels Down 5K. Portion or proceeds go to the 2018 official charity, Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass. (Register to walk/run here.)
Saturday, April 28
7 a.m. Gates Open (including Land Rover Tailgating)
8 a.m.–5 p.m. Hospitality Tents Open (Hospitality Ticket Required)
8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Sponsor Village & Trade Fair Open
8:30 a.m.–10 a.m. Prince Philip Cup Mounted Games — TBD
8:30 a.m.–2:15 p.m. Demonstrations and Exhibitions — Walnut Ring unless otherwise noted
10 a.m.–4 p.m. Cross-Country Test (Horses start every 4 minutes. There will not be a 1½ hour lunch break.)
11 a.m. Kentucky Invitational CSI3* Autograph Signing
Noon Kentucky Invitational CSI3* Course Walk — Rolex Stadium
3:30 p.m. Kentucky Invitational CSI3* Opening Ceremonies — Rolex Stadium
4:30 p.m. $225,000 Kentucky Invitational CSI3* 1.60m — Rolex Stadium
Sunday, April 29
7 a.m. Gates Open
7:30 a.m. Non-Denominational Worship Service — Pavilion between Stonelea/Claiborne Rings
8 a.m.–3 p.m. Hospitality Tents Open (Hospitality Ticket Required)
8 a.m. Second Inspection of Horses — High Hope Inspection Lane
8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Sponsor Village & Trade Fair Open
9:30–11 a.m. Champions Live! — Kentucky Club
11 a.m. Jumping Course Open for Competitor Inspection — Rolex Stadium
11:30 a.m. Presentation of the Teams of the USPC Prince Philip Cup — Rolex Stadium
Noon Opening Ceremony & Presentation of Officials and Flags — Rolex Stadium
1 p.m. Jumping Test Begins — Rolex Stadium
3 p.m. Presentation of the Awards — Rolex Stadium
For more information, visit the website here.
