On Oct. 14, riders from more than 20 countries will compete in the Kentucky Cup Endurance race, sponsored by Emirates Equestrian Federation. This is the official endurance test event for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
Athletes from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Romania, Spain, and many other countries are expected to compete in or observe Kentucky Cup Endurance in preparation for next year's Endurance World Championship at the 2010 Games. The team from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. His son, Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, will also ride for the UAE.
Current World Champion Maria Alvarez Ponton of Spain, and the mother-daughter team of Valerie Kanavy and Danielle Mc Gunigal of the United States, will also compete. Kanavy is a two-time world champion (1994 and 1998) and also placed second to her daughter in the 1996 World Championships.
Kentucky Cup Endurance will feature both a 75-mile (120 km) race and a 100-mile (160 km) race. Both races comprise a series of loops through the Kentucky Horse Park and surrounding properties, frequently returning to the Kentucky Horse Park for required veterinary inspections.
The 75-mile race will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 14, and the 100-mile race will follow with a 7:45 a.m. start. Awards for the 100-mile race will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Oct. 15 in the new outdoor stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park. In addition to honoring the top riders, there will also be an award for the best conditioned horse.
Admission to Kentucky Cup Endurance is free to the public. Parking will be $3 per day at the entrance of the Kentucky Horse Park. Kentucky Cup Endurance spectators can also enjoy the other Kentucky Horse Park attractions. Admission to Kentucky Horse Park attractions is available at the Visitor's Center.
A complete list of competitors and countries is available on the Kentucky Cup Endurance test event page of the WEG Web site.
About the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein of Jordan (wife of Sheikh Mohammed) is the current president of the FEI. The Games are held every four years, and this will be the first occurrence in the United States.
The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million on Kentucky, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Meydan, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, and the American Quarter Horse Association.
For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com.
Disclaimer: Seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian before proceeding with any diagnosis, treatment, or therapy.