Photo courtesy of Rolex.
1 May 2016, Lexington, USA – Michael Jung riding Fischerrocana FST kept both his cool and overnight lead to secure a back-to-back victory at the 2016 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Jung led the competition from Day One after his near flawless Dressage test and fastest Cross-Country ride of the whole day.
Coming into the final Show Jumping phase and last to go into the packed Rolex Stadium, Jung had three fences in hand, but delivered another masterclass round with just one rail down to win the event and set him on course to challenge for the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing prize at the Badminton Horse Trials in the UK in just four days’ time.
With 54 starters for the final Show Jumping phase on day four of the competition, Lauren Kieffer (USA) delighted the 25,000 patriotic home fans, riding Veronica, to take second place behind Jung. Maya Black (USA) continued her amazing weekend in just her second Rolex Kentucky to take third place riding Doesn’t Play Fair.
TOP FIVE FINAL RESULTS
1. Michael Jung (GER), Fischerrocana FST, 39.2
2. Lauren Kieffer (USA), Veronica, 52.5
3. Maya Black (USA), Doesn’t Playfair, 53.9
4. Philip Dutton (USA), Mighty Nice, 57.8
5. Phillip Dutton (USA), Fernhill Cubalawn, 59.4
ROLEX GRAND SLAM OF EVENTING
Speaking after his victory, Jung said, “I am very proud of my horse; she has tried all weekend for me in the dressage, cross-country and now today in the show jumping. I now travel to Badminton tomorrow and will meet my other horse there, La Biothesque Sam. He is in really good form and so I am really looking forward to Badminton. [The Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing] is a hard challenge as you can see just one person has won it so far and so it is very special on a very high level. Badminton is a tough competition; it is a hard competition, but I will go there to try to win it!”
“Veronica jumped so beautifully; I couldn’t be happier as she really tried her heart out. It feels fantastic to come second; it has been a really good weekend for sure. I am thrilled,” said a delighted Lauren Kieffer.
Third placed Maya Black said, “It’s only my second Rolex. I never dreamed that I would be sitting next to these two great riders [Jung and Kieffer]. My horse can be a bit difficult but he was fabulous all weekend!”
Michael Jung travelled to the Kentucky Horse Park as the new Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing ‘live contender’ and as defending champion of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover.
Having won both the 2015 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials and the 2016 Rolex Kentucky, Jung is now just one competition away from the coveted USD$350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing prize. He now travels to the UK to compete in the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in just four days’ time to try to win the Rolex Grand Slam.
HISTORY OF THE ROLEX GRAND SLAM
In 2001 Rolex was inspired to link the three foremost eventing competitions in the world into a Grand Slam. Badminton – the British horse trials on which the modern sport of eventing was founded, Kentucky – the premier US event, and Burghley – the East of England’s showpiece event, formed the competition.
Every year these three events attract world class competition and crowds of enthusiastic supporters eager to bear witness to equestrian greatness. It became immediately apparent that, completing the challenge and winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing, would require a series of outstanding performances from a remarkable athlete.
Since its inception in 2001, only one rider has risen to the challenge: Britain’s much loved and highly decorated team member, Pippa Funnell. In April 2003 she rode Primmore’s Pride to victory at Rolex Kentucky, beginning her Rolex Grand Slam campaign. A week later, this time riding double European champion Supreme Rock, Funnell was crowned Badminton winner. A few months later, Funnell reigned supreme at Burghley, riding Primmore’s Pride again, outperforming fellow Rolex Testimonee Zara Phillips, who finished in second place. Pippa Funnell immediately joined the ranks of sporting greats and became a Rolex Testimonee.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Rolex SA
Virginie Chevailler
virginie.chevailler@rolex.com
+41 (0)22 302 2761
Revolution Sports + Entertainment
Rod Kohler
rod@revolutionsports.co.uk
+44 (0)7770 647 662