Lexington, KY – April 15, 2008 – The Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, feature incredible prize money and attract the best hunter/jumper competitors in the country. With top professionals and Olympic veterans, the show jumping scene at the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows is like no other. The Kentucky Spring Horse Shows will be held this year during the weeks of May 7-11 and May 14-18, 2008.
Highlights of this year’s competition include two $30,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic Grand Prix CSI 3* classes, the $55,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix CSI 3*, and the $55,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI 3*, which is a member event of the AGA Grand Prix Series. The $30,000 Hagyard Lexington Classics are two of seven events in the Hagyard Challenge Series, a series of major show jumping competitions held throughout the summer at the Kentucky Horse Park. The series offers $215,000 in prize money, and these first two classes count toward the $50,000 Leading Rider Bonus.
The top caliber prize money and exceptional competition at the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows result from the generous support of the event’s sponsors. The Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, sponsor of the $215,000 Hagyard Challenge Series, has greatly contributed to the impressive quality of horses and riders that attend the show, and the institute is also responsible for creating the Hagyard Challenge Series and increasing the overall prize money.
Additional sponsors are integral supporters of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows and the Hagyard Challenge Series’ $50,000 Leading Rider Bonus. The rider bonus, which increased from last year’s purse of $30,000, will be presented to the rider accumulating the most prize money in the Hagyard Challenge Series. The bonus will be presented at the conclusion of the $50,000 World Cup qualifying grand prix at the Kentucky National Indoor Horse Show on Friday, September 26.
The $50,000 Leading Rider Bonus is made possible through the gracious efforts of Griffin Gate Marriot Resort & Spa; Turf Town Properties, Inc.; Hagyard Pharmacy; Kathleen Sullivan, CIMA®; Fifth Third Bank; Dean, Dorton & Ford; Butler Animal Health Supply – Equine Division; Fort Dodge Animal Health; and Porsche of Lexington.
RV Sales of Broward has also joined the list of sponsors at the Kentucky Horse Shows and will be the title sponsor of the Kentucky Summer Classic Grand Prix, held later in the year at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show.
Butler Animal Health Supply is the nation’s largest distributor of companion animal health supplies to veterinarians. The company, headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, operates across the US with 15 distribution centers and 8 telecenters. Butler Animal Health Supply serves over 29,000 veterinary clinics in all 50 states and distributes over 15,000 products for more than 400 vendors.
Dean, Dorton, & Ford is a full-service accounting and business advisory firm that provides professional services to clients of all sizes in a variety of industries. The company also provides extensive accounting, tax and business consulting services to the equine industry and is known for its world-class horse businesses, events and culture. Founded in 1979, the firm has grown to be one of the largest Certified Public Accounting firms based in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Fifth Third Bank of Central Kentucky serves eight counties and has nearly 300 employees. With over 20 banking center locations in Central Kentucky, Fifth Third Bank operates five main businesses: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending, Investment Advisors and Fifth Third Processing Solutions.
Fort Dodge is an animal health center that has been dedicated to the growth and leadership of animal health since its beginning in 1912. Today Fort Dodge is a leading international animal health company that has developed into one of the world's leading manufacturers of veterinary pharmaceuticals and biologicals for the equine, companion animal, livestock, swine and poultry industries in North America and international markets.
Hagyard Pharmacy dispenses prescription pharmaceuticals and offers a prescription compounding service that is unmatched in the industry. The pharmacy operates in strict compliance with the rules and regulations set forth by the governing state and federal agencies and by the guidelines provided by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa is located in Lexington, KY, and celebrated its 25th anniversary last year by adding a luxurious, $1.5 million, full-service resort spa. Current resort amenities include an 18-hole golf course, indoor and outdoor pools, massage therapy, fitness facility, high-speed Internet access and wireless capabilities, as well as The Mansion, a Lexington landmark and travel destination unto itself. Outdoor activities include basketball, tennis, and sand volleyball.
Kathleen Sullivan, CIMA® is associated with Citi Smith Barney, one of the world’s leading financial institutions. She specializes in wealth management and financial advisory, focusing on client objectives and investment strategies.
Porsche of Lexington features a top vehicle, culminating over 60 years of research and development. Porsche’s prowess in engineering, heritage on the track and quality in its products make it the pinnacle of the sports car segment. Porsche of Lexington strives to build on Porsche’s excellence with a commitment to the customer that is the best in the region. Porsche vehicles are the finest in workmanship, technology and exclusivity.
Turf Town Properties is proud to be a sponsor of the Hagyard Challenge Series Leading Rider Award as well. Turf Town Properties has consistently sold fine properties in a broad price range with an emphasis on quality service. They offer their expertise and excellent customer service to farm and land buyers in the area.
For more information on the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.
To learn more about the sponsors of the Kentucky Horse Shows, please visit their official web sites:
Butler Animal Health Supply: www.butlerahs.com.
Dean, Dorton & Ford: www.ddfky.com.
Fifth Third Bank: www.53.com.
Fort Dodge: www.wyeth.com/divisions/fort_dodge.asp.
Porsche of Lexington: www.lexington.porschedealer.com
RV Sales of Broward: www.rvsalesofbroward.com
2008 KENTUCKY SPRING HORSE SHOWS FAST FACTS
Events:
Kentucky Spring Horse Show – May 7-11, 2008
Kentucky Spring Classic – May 14-18, 2008
What:
Two of the nation’s premier equestrian competitions, featuring four CSI 3* rated grand prix competitions, one of which is AGA sanctioned. A World Championship Hunter Rider recognized hunter competition. The Kentucky Spring Horse Shows are the host event for the 2008 Legacy Cup. Both shows are qualifying events for the Washington International Championships and the North American League finals.
Where:
Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY, site of the 2010 World Equestrian Games. Home to the United States Equestrian Federation.
When:
KENTUCKY SPRING HORSE SHOW - MAY 7-11, 2008
A World Championship Hunter Rider Event
The $30,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic Grand Prix, CSI 3*
The $55,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix, CSI 3*
KENTUCKY SPRING CLASSIC - MAY 14 -18, 2008
The $30,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic Grand Prix, CSI 3*
The $55,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix, CSI 3*
A Member Event of the AGA Grand Prix Series
Hours:
8am – 5pm daily
Admission:
Admission is free to the public. The Kentucky Horse Park charges a $3.00 daily fee for parking.
VIP Seating:
Tables of six are available each week in the ringside spectator pavilion for both shows at a price of $1,000 per week. This will entitle table holders and their guests to a table in the Mesker Pavilion, which provides daily continental breakfasts and complimentary lunches. Additionally, table holders receive a VIP parking pass, exclusive seating, and access to wireless internet service. Tables may be reserved by contacting Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com.
Parking:
Horse Show Exhibitors may purchase a weekly parking pass at the main Horse Park entrance for $5.00.
Directions:
The Kentucky Horse Park is located 8 miles northeast of Lexington, Kentucky at Exit 120 on Interstate 75.
Information:
Before Show - Telephone: (859) 233-0492, Email: hakshows@earthlink.net
During Show - Telephone: (859) 254-3343, Fax: (859) 231-6097
Stabling - Email Tom Blankenship at Tomb@kentuckyhorseshows.com
Prize List Advertising - Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com
Vendors - Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com
VIP Tables - Email Cindy Bozan at cindy@kentuckyhorseshows.com
Website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com
Ring Dimensions/Specs:
All outdoor competition arenas and schooling areas consist of a limesand base and mortar sand cushion. The Indoor Arena consists of sand and loam. The dimensions of the competition areas are as follows:
Stonelea: 135’ x 285’, Claiborne: 140’ x 270’
Murphy: 140’ x 290’, Indoor: 145’ x 285’
Walnut: 300’ x 370’, Johnson: 300’ x 400’
Shopping:
Vendors offering equestrian equipment, apparel, jewelry and home furnishings are located adjacent to the Stonelea Ring.
Hotels:
HOLIDAY INN NORTH-859 - 233-0512 - Approximately 4 miles
FOUR POINTS SHERATON – 859-259-1311 – Approximately 4 miles
LA QUINTA – 859-231-7551 – Approximately 4 miles
KNIGHTS INN – 859-231-0255 – Approximately 4 miles
EMBASSY SUITES – 859-455-5000 – Approximately 4 miles
MARRIOT GRIFFIN GATE – 859-231-5100 – Approximately 4 miles
RESIDENCE INN – 859-231-6191 – Approximately 5 miles
COURTYARD BY MARRIOT – 859-253-4646 – Approximately 5 miles
RAMADA INN – 859-299-1261 – Approximately 6 miles
RED ROOF INN – 859-293-2626 – Approximately 6 miles
HAMPTON INN – 502-867-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
SUPER EIGHT – 502-863-4888 – Approximately 6 miles
MICROTEL INN & SUITES - 502-868-8000 - Approximately 6 miles
Management:
Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC
P. O. Box 11428
Lexington, KY 40575-1428
859-233-0492 (phone)
859-233-0495 (fax)
email: hakshows@earthlink.net
website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com
Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
13833 Wellington Trace
Unit E-4 #221
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
www.phelpsmediagroup.com
