(LEXINGTON, KY) – May 1, 2016 – Michael Jung defends his title at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Land Rover in spectacular fashion for a back-to-back win.
The heavy downpour of rain paused as the formidable pairing of Germany’s Michael Jung and Fischerrocana FST entered the packed stadium and to the delight of the crowd claimed their second consecutive victory at the Kentucky Horse Park. Jung wasted no time in celebrating his incredible achievement, with the 25,000 spectators standing on their feet to applaud their new hero as he galloped his lap of honor.
Lauren Kieffer (USA), who Saturday won a Land Rover Discovery Sport for achieving the Land Rover Best Ride of the Day, made sure to keep the pressure on the reigning Olympic Champion, producing a stunning clear round on her bay mare, Veronica. With a final score of 52.5, Kieffer moved up the leader board to secure not only second place but also the USEF Championship Trophy awarded to the highest placed American rider. Maya Black (USA), despite having a rail down, took the third spot aboard Doesn’t Play Fair.
Jung commented on his win: “My personality is calm but when you wait the whole day for your round it does make you nervous. It feels absolutely perfect to win. Kentucky is a very nice place; everywhere you look around is unbelievable and I am very happy to win here.”
Kieffer beamed afterwards. “Veronica jumped beautifully. I couldn’t be happier; she really tried her heart out. It feels fantastic to come second; it has been a really good weekend for sure. I am thrilled.”
For the seventh year running Land Rover North America returned as presenting sponsor of the 2016 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, continuing their longstanding support of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and equestrian sports. As one of six annual Four-Star Eventing competitions around the world (alongside the Olympic Games and World Championships), the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is one of the most prestigious competitions in the world. It is therefore an official selection event for the U.S. Olympic Eventing Team, and will be attracting the world’s best riders.
For any equestrian fans unable to attend the event, the NBC telecast of the Rolex Equestrian Championships presented by Land Rover will allow those to stream and enjoy it from home on May 8th from 1:30-3:00pm EDT.
To learn more about the 2016 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Land Rover, please visit: www.RK3DE.org.
About The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Land Rover
The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Land Rover is the nation’s premier Three-Day Event and one of the most prestigious equestrian competitions in the world. The Fédération Equestre Internationale (International Equestrian Federation – FEI), the world’s governing body of equestrian sports, has designated the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event as a ‘Four Star’ eventing competition, the highest designation, which is given only to the Olympic Games, World Championships, and six annual events around the world. “Rolex Kentucky” is the only Four Star event in the Western Hemisphere. Known as the “Best Weekend All Year,” the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event returns to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, April 28 – May 1.
Contacts:
Deb Sandford
Nat’l PR Comms & Events Manager
Jaguar Land Rover
North America, LLC
949.510.0529
dsandfor@jaguarlandrover.com
Marty Bauman
Chief Press Officer
Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event
508.698.6810
marty@classic-communications.com
Leah Oliveto
Director, Communications
United States Equestrian Federation
859 225 2053
loliveto@usef.org