2023 Kentucky Invitational champions Daniel Bluman (ISR) and Gemma W © Red Bay Group
Since 2018, show jumpers have joined the roster of sport during the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event for the Kentucky Invitational Grand Prix. It’s an opportunity for these riders to jump in major atmosphere, which is harder to find outside of the Wellington, Ocala, and Tryon, while also providing additional entertainment to the throngs of spectators in attendance.
Previously held as a CSI3*, the Kentucky Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute will now upgrade to CSI4* status for 2024. In addition, there will be a new $35,000 1.45m Two-Phase held during the lunch hour on cross country day (Saturday, April 27). There will also be a 1.45m Welcome Speee Cup Ranking Class on Friday after the completion of dressage for LRK3DE.
“With many of the world’s elite horses and riders gearing up for the 2024 Paris Olympics, next year’s event promises to be one of the most exciting ever,” said Erin Woodall, recently-appointed Executive Director of EEI in the announcement. “We are thrilled to offer a new CSI4* Grand Prix and 1.45m Two-Phase alongside all our usual activities, and we greatly appreciate Split Rock Jumping Tour for serving as our show jumping manager while we take this event to the next level. We look forward to welcoming another spectacular line-up of horses and riders in April!”
“We are excited to continue as presenting sponsor for such an incredible event as the Kentucky CSI4* Invitational Grand Prix,” said Luke Fallon, DVM and Medical Director of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. “As presenting sponsor since its inception, we believe the increase from a Three Star to a Four Star is an exciting step for both competitors and spectators. We look forward to next year’s event and are excited to be involved in events of this caliber with the quality of veterinarians encompassing our performance horse team.”
Even more excitingly, in 2025, the Hagyard Invitational will upgrade to a CSI5* — the top level in the sport of showjumping and a fitting partner to the CCI5* event.
Equestrian Events, Inc. is now accepting management proposals for 2025-2027 for the show jumping competition held each April in conjunction with the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™. The deadline for management proposals is January 15, 2024.
“We are excited to elevate our show jumping Grand Prix with a move to the Five Star level,” said Erin Woodall, Executive Director of EEI. “We will move to Four Star this coming spring, and we look forward to celebrating our first CSI5* Grand Prix in 2025. We are now seeking proposals for show management to help us establish the Kentucky Invitational as one of the nation’s premier show jumping competitions.”
Management of the new CSI5* will include working with EEI on promotions, sponsorships and other competition details. Proposals must be submitted by January 15, 2024; the successful candidate will be notified by May 30, 2024.
More information on the Kentucky CSI4* Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute can be found here. Grab your tickets to the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event here.
