Lisa Jackson
Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Kentucky Horse Park
From Olympic show jumpers to elegant gaited riders, an array of equestrians will compete at the 2012 Alltech National Horse Show, Oct. 30 to Nov. 4, held at the Alltech Arena on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park.
More than a world-class horse show, the week-long event welcomes the community with Halloween Trick-or-Treat night, a Military Day, a Fitness Friday and a 5K Countryside Canter and 1-Mile Fun Run. Inside the arena, visitors will find shopping venues, interactive exhibits, and Kentucky food and beverages. Highlights of the competition include the Puissance, the Alltech Grand Prix and the ASPCA Alfred Maclay Final. Admission is included with Kentucky Horse Park admission during daytime events. Admission is $20 for adults on Thursday and Friday evenings, and $30 on Saturday evening.
Wednesday, October 31 – Not Your Ordinary Halloween Trick-or-Treat
Bring your family to trick-or-treat at the Alltech National Horse Show with some of your favorite cartoon characters, including Woody and Jessie from Toy Story, Shrek and Fiona, Cinderella and Spider-Man. No matter the weather, we’ll be trick-or-treating in the dry and warm Alltech Arena. Free for all and open to the public, this unique trick-or-treat starts at 5 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m.
Thursday, November 1 – Military Day
Don’t miss a chance to thank our military heroes during the Alltech National Horse Show. Meet with local heroes and test your strength at the Army Activity Area at the Alltech Arena. Members of the military will receive half price admission to evening events with a military I.D. At 7 p.m. a Presentation of Colors will be performed by the Forest Hill Military Academy.
Friday, November 2 – Fit Friday
Pick up your registration packet for Saturday’s Countryside Canter 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run during events Saturday. While you’re at the Arena, receive a free health screening.
Saturday, November 3 – Family Fun Day and the Countryside Canter 5K
Two-legged athletes will race through the scenic Kentucky Horse Park during the Alltech Countryside Canter 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk. The races start at 8 a.m., but fun continues throughout the day with a balloon twister, face painting, pictures on a pony (1-3 p.m.) and your favorite cartoon characters. Pre-register online at active.com. All proceeds go to The All Glory Project.
More information is available at www.AlltechNationalHorseShow.com.
ADMISSION -
Day: Included in Kentucky Horse Park visitor admission, available at the Visitor Information Center
Night: Free, Tuesday and Wednesday
$20.00, Thursday and Friday (1/2 price with military I.D. on Thursday)
$30.00, Saturday
LOCATIONAND PARKING - Alltech Arena andAlltech Arena Parking Lot
DATES AND TIMES –
Tuesday, October 30
START CLASS # CLASS
8:00 AM 20 Regular Conformation Hunter Model
8:15 AM 10 Green Conformation Hunter Model
8:40 AM “Build Course”
8:50 AM 22 Regular Conformation Hunter O/F
9:20 AM 23 Regular Conformation Hunter Handy
9:50 AM 12 Green Conformation Hunter O/F
10:40 AM 13 Green Conformation Hunter Handy
11:30 AM 32 First Year Green Working Hunter O/F
12:15 PM “Drag Ring”
12:25 PM 33 First Year Green Working Handy Hunter
1:10 PM 42 Second Year Green Working Hunter O/F
1:55 PM 43 Second Year Green Working Hunter Handy
2:40 PM 52 High Performance Hunter O/F
3:15 PM 53 High Performance Hunter Handy
3:50 PM “Build Course & Walk”
4:30 PM 150 Open Jumper Training
Wednesday, October 31
START CLASS # CLASS
8:00 AM 31 First Year Green Working Hunter U/S
8:15 AM 11 Green Conformation Hunter U/S
8:35 AM 41 Second Year Green Working Hunter U/S
8:50 AM 21 Regular Conformation Hunter U/S
9:10 AM 51 High Performance Hunter U/S
9:30 AM “Build Course”
9:45 AM 34 First Year Green Working Hunter Stake
10:35 AM 14 Green Conformation Hunter Stake
11:30 AM 44 Second Year Green Working Hunter Stake
12:15 PM “Drag Ring”
12:25 PM 24 Regular Conformation Hunter Stake
1:00 PM 54 High Performance Hunter Stake
1:35 PM 82 Amateur Owner Working Hunter 3’3” O/F
2:20 PM 83 Amateur Owner Working Hunter 3’3” Handy
3:05 PM “Build Course”
3:40 PM “Walk Course”
3:55 PM 151 $50,000 Open Jumper Time First Round
6:05 PM Awards Ceremony
6:15 PM “Clear Ring”
6:30 PM 207 Three Gaited Open Stake
6:50 PM 209 Fine Harness Amateur Stake
7:10 PM 203 Five Gaited Open Stake
Thursday, November 1
START CLASS # CLASS
8:00 AM 72 Amateur Owner Hunter (over 35) O/F
8:40 AM 62 Amateur Owner Hunter (under 35) O/F
9:20 AM “Adjust Course”
9:30 AM 73 Amateur Owner Hunter (over 35) Handy
10:10 AM 63 Amateur Owner Hunter (under 35) Handy
10:50 AM “Adjust Course”
11:00 AM 84 Amateur Owner Hunter (3’3”) Stake
11:50 AM “Strip Ring & Drag”
12:05 PM 81 Amateur Owner Hunter (3’3”) U/S
12:25 PM “Build Course & Walk”
1:15 PM 161 $10,000 Junior Jumper Time First Round
2:20 PM “Walk Course”
2:35 PM 163 $10,000 Amateur Owner Jumper Time First Round
Thursday Evening
7:00 PM Opening Ceremonies
7:15 PM 152 $75,000 International Open Jumper Time First Jump Off
8:45 PM “Clear Ring”
9:00 PM 205 Three Gaited Amateur Stake
9:20 PM 211 Park Horse Amateur Stake
9:40 PM 201 Five Gaited Amateur Stake
Friday, November 2
START CLASS # CLASS
7:00 AM 92 Small Junior Hunter (15 and Under) O/F
7:40 AM 102 Small Junior Hunter (16 - 17) O/F
8:20 AM 112 Large Junior Hunter (15 and Under) O/F
9:00 AM “Drag Ring”
9:10 AM 122 Large Junior Hunter (16 - 17) O/F
9:50 AM 74 Amateur Owner Hunter (over 35) Stake
10:30 AM 64 Amateur Owner Hunter (under 35) Stake
11:10 AM “Clear Ring & Drag”
11:20 AM 71 Amateur Owner Hunter (over 35) U/S
11:40 AM 61 Amateur Owner Hunter (under 35) U/S
12:00 PM 91 Small Junior Hunter (15 and Under) U/S
12:15 PM 101 Small Junior Hunter (16 - 17) U/S
12:30 PM 111 Large Junior Hunter (15 and Under) U/S
12:45 PM 121 Large Junior Hunter (16 - 17) U/S
1:00 PM “Build Course & Walk”
1:50 PM 164 $10,000 Amateur Owner Jumper Time First Jump Off
3:10 PM “Walk Course”
3:25 PM 162 $10,000 Junior Jumper Time First Jump Off
4:45 PM “Adjust Course & Walk”
5:15 PM 153 $50.000 International Open Jumper Faults Converted
Friday Evening
7:00 PM Opening Ceremonies
7:15 PM 208 Three Gaited Championship Stake
7:35 PM 210 Fine Harness Open Championship
7:55 PM 213 E. S. Roadster Cup
8:15 PM 204 Five Gaited Championship Stake
8:35 PM “Build Course & Walk”
9:10 PM 154 $50,000 International Open Jumper Puissance
Saturday, November 3
START CLASS # CLASS
6:00 AM 301 ASPCA Maclay Warm Up (not judged) 90 seconds each
10:00 AM “Adjust Course”
10:20 AM 93 Small Junior Hunter (15 and Under) Handy
11:00 AM 103 Small Junior Hunter (16 - 17) Handy
11:40 AM 113 Large Junior Hunter (15 and Under) Handy
12:20 PM 123 Large Junior Hunter (16 - 17) Handy
1:00 PM “Adjust Course”
1:10 PM 94 Small Junior Hunter (15 and Under) Stake
1:55 PM 104 Small Junior Hunter (16 - 17) Stake
2:40 PM 114 Large Junior Hunter (15 and Under) Stake
3:25 PM 124 Large Junior Hunter (16 - 17) Stake
4:10 PM “Build Course & Walk”
5:00 PM 165 $50,000 SJHF Junior/Amateur Owner Championship
Saturday Evening
7:00 PM Opening Ceremonies
7:20 PM 155 $250.000 Alltech Grand Prix
8:50 PM Awards Ceremony
9:00 PM “Clear Ring & Drag”
9:10 PM 212 Park Horse Amateur Championship
9:30 PM 206 Three Gaited Amateur Championship
9:50 PM 202 Five Gaited Amateur Championship
Sunday, November 4
START CLASS # CLASS
7:00 AM Maclay Finals - First Round
3:00 PM Maclay Finals - Flat Phase
3:30 PM Final Work-Off (if necessary)
4:00 PM Awards Ceremony
The exhibit Losing Ground: The Greatest Threat sponsored by Equus Magazine and Equine Land Conservation Resource will open at the International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY on October 29, 2012. The exhibit will increase awareness and educate the public about the loss of horse lands, facilities and trails access in the United States. It demonstrates the value of horses, including their economic impact, to our communities and culture, and what can be done to protect these assets, not only for horse land owners, equestrians and equine enthusiasts, but for communities and the nation as a whole. Furthermore, it describes how 6,000 acres of open lands are lost to development every day. These are the lands we need to raise, ride and care for our horses. These are the hayfields, the competition grounds, the trails and the pastures that support our rich American equine culture.
“It has always been the museum’s mission to look at pressing problems within the equine community, and the alarming disappearance of land for horses has to be near the top of the list,” says International Museum of the Horse Director, Bill Cooke.
The exhibit consists of an extensive mural that dramatically shows the threat of unplanned development on existing horse lands. A video film, produced by Post Time Productions and developed by ELCR, is the visitor’s first view of the exhibit which quickly draws the visitor into the story of American’s love for the horse and the threat to the very land needed to support our equine population. Three interactive kiosk stations allow the visitor to explore the following topic areas: why horses make ‘good neighbors’; loss of land and trails access; and a “call to action” that describes what individuals can do to get informed, organize and advocate locally and nationally for protection of horse lands, facilities and trail access with the help and resources of ELCR.
As part of the exhibition, visitors receive a complimentary copy of a Losing Ground: The Greatest Threat an EQUUS special report on conserving land and trails for horses, sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health. “At EQUUS we’ve seen firsthand how important it is to preserve open space and trail access,” says EQUUS editor Laurie Prinz. “And we know that the first step in effective advocacy is informing Equestrians and the public at large about what's at stake. We appreciate that Pfizer has made possible a special publication highlighting land use issues.”
“As the only national organization working to conserve land for equine related use, ELCR is proud to partner with Equus magazine on this important project that will raise awareness of the need to protect our horse lands now, before it is too late,” says ELCR CEO, Anna Gibson. “The land we save in the next fifteen years will determine the future of our equine culture, lifestyle and landscape for future generations.”
Editor’s note: Photos are available by contacting Holly Groshek, Director of Marketing and Membership, Equine Land Conservation Resource, (859) 455-8383 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
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About the Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR): The Equine Land Conservation Resource is the only national not-for-profit organization advancing the conservation of land for horse-related activity. ELCR serves as an information and networking resource for land and horse owner, organizations, agencies and all equine enthusiasts on issues related to farm and ranch land conservation, land use planning, farm and ranch land stewardship/best management practices, trail access and sustainability, liability and equine economic impacts. For more information about the ELCR visit our website at www.elcr.org or call (859) 455-8383.
About the Equine Network: The Equine Network provides, creates and distributes relevant content and services to passionate horse enthusiasts while connecting them to each other and the marketplace. The Equine Network is the publisher of award-winning magazines Horse & Rider, EQUUS, Dressage Today, The Trail Rider, Spin To Win Rodeo, American Cowboy, Practical Horseman and Horse Journal. The Equine Network also publishes a proprietary line of books and DVDs for sale through its store, HorseBooksEtc.com. The Equine Network provides emergency roadside assistance for equestrians through its recent acquisition of USRider, and is home to several websites, including: EquiSearch.com, Equine.com, MyHorseDaily.com, DiscoverHorses.com, AmericanCowboy.com and Horse-Journal.com.
The Octoberfest Horse Trials by Champagne Run farm in Lexington are this weekend, October 27-28. Octoberfest is a fun schooling show for many new riders as well as experienced riders who will be bringing out green horses.
Dressage and Stadium Jumping will be held on Saturday, and Cross Country will be held on Sunday. Some 200-300 horses will be shown over the two days, some dressed up just for the special costume competitions (hey, it is Octoberfest after all!), creating a fun and friendly atmosphere for the new competitors. www.champagnerun.com
Admission -
Included in Kentucky Horse Park visitor admission, available at the Visitor Center
Parking -
Main Visitor Parking Lot
Location -
Saturday - Dressage in Dressage Complex (starts 8:00 am)
Saturday - Stadium Jumping in Hunter/Jumper Complex (finishes by 5:30 pm)
Sunday - Cross Country on Cross Country Course
Times –
Saturday, October 27, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm (approx.)
Sunday, October 28, 8:30 am to 2:30 pm (approx.)
Of all the equestrian sports out there, none of them are as FUN as mounted games. The US Mounted Games Association Championship Finale will be held at the park this weekend, October 27-28, sure to delight participants and spectators alike with teams competing in relays named Bang-A-Balloon, Hi Lo, Hula Hoop, Socks and Buckets, Windsor Castle and others.
The competition is open to adult and youth divisions and is known as a niche equestrian sport that is relatively inexpensive and has a wide variety of classes suited to the skill level of the rider. Bring out the family to watch the fun, and get caught up in the action! www.usmga.us
Admission: Included in Kentucky Horse Park visitor admission, available at the Visitor Information Center
Parking: Main Visitor Parking Lot
Location: Rolex Stadium
Times: Saturday, October 27, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (approx.)
Sunday, October 28, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (approx.)
The Budweiser Clydesdales are visiting the Kentucky Horse Park!
Now through Wednesday, October 24, park guests may see the magnificent Budweiser Clydesdales up close and personal, along with their ever-present Dalmatian buddies and human crew in the historic Big Barn.
On Sunday, October 21, these horses will make an appearance in full hitch at the Horses of the World Show at 2:00 pm.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see the Budweiser Clydesdales during their short layover in Lexington.
Photo courtesy of Steve Faust, www.pixbysteve.smugmug.com
LEXINGTON, KY (October 17, 2012) It’s not just area children who dress up in costumes for Halloween. In Kentucky, horses do, too! On Sunday, October 28, at 2:00 pm, the Kentucky Horse Park will present its annual Halloween Show where park horses and their riders are likely to show up in just about anything – from a scary headless horseman, cranky wicked witch, hip 60’s chick, swashbuckling pirates, genie with a bottle, Phantom of the Opera – it’s different every year.
Throughout the day, the park will offer discounted admission to guests who arrive in costume: adult admission will be $12.00 (normally $16.00) and children 12 and under will get in free (normally $8.00) (no full-head masks, please). Treats will be given out to children and dogs upon arrival at the park, and prizes will be awarded for best adult costume, best child costume and best dog costume (dogs required to be on a leash at all times).
Not to be left out, the KHP Campground produces the annual Halloween Campout over two weekends, October 19-21 and 26-28. Campers have a frightfully good time with costume contests, trick or treating, kid’s crafts, golf cart parade, entertainment and more. The event is sponsored in part by Northside RVs, Halloween Express and the KHP Foundation. Full service sites are full for 2012, but the campground has unlimited primitive camping still available at $19/night. For information or reservations, contact (859)259-4257, (800)370-6416 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
For more information about the Halloween Show, the public may contact the Kentucky Horse Park at (859)233-4303 or (800)678-8813 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
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The Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm/theme park and equine competition facility dedicated to man's relationship with the horse. The park is an agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and hosted more than 825,000 visitors and campers, as well as 15,000 competition horses in more than 200 special events and horse shows in 2011. The park is home to the National Horse Center which comprises more than 30 national and regional equine organizations. Located at Exit 120, Interstate 75, just north of Lexington, the Kentucky Horse Park is The place to get close to horses. Open daily March 15 to Nov. 4, and Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 5 to March 15.
The Southern Lights holiday festival, presented by Toyota, is returning for the 19th year to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, from November 16 to December 31. In September, the American Bus Association (ABA) selected Southern Lights a Top 100 event for 2013, which is an annual compendium of the best events for group travel in the United States and Canada. Winners are chosen from hundreds of celebrations, festivals, fairs, commemorative events, and more that have been nominated by ABA members.
With all the family-friendly activities offered annually, Southern Lights has been a well-known Bluegrass tradition for almost twenty years now. Kids of all ages delight in the holiday driving tour. Visitors take in displays of the Christmas Village, the 12 Days of Christmas, Keeneland Race Track, Show Jumping, Steeplechase and the Spires of Churchill Downs—each composed of thousands of twinkling lights. New this year will be several basketball themed light displays celebrating our 2012 National NCAA Champion UK Wildcats.
Southern Lights’ indoor attractions prove to be just as popular as the driving tour with its holiday craft merchants, the KHP Gift Shop full of gifts for under the tree, seasonal entertainment and children’s activities, the International Museum of the Horse, an exotic petting zoo, pony and camel rides, the Mini Train Express, model train displays and photos with Santa. In recent years, more than 27,000 cars and 114,000 people have attended.
Southern Lights is open from 5:30 pm to 10 pm nightly. Indoor attractions will be open every night except November 22 and December 24 - 31. The cost is $15.00 per car Sunday through Thursday and $20.00 per car on Friday and Saturday. In addition, the cost for an extended van or limousine is $30.00, a mini-bus is $50.00, a school bus is $75.00 and a motorcoach is $125.00. Group admission is available by contacting Chris Nentwick in the KHP Foundation at 859/255-5727 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
All proceeds support the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation. The 2012 Shining Star Presenting Sponsor is Toyota and the Holly and Ivy Sponsors are Kerr Brothers and Café Press.
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The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, fulfills its mission to enhance, expand and improve the Kentucky Horse Park by fundraising within the private sector. This partnership between private donors and the support of the Commonwealth of Kentucky is what has enabled the incredible success of the Kentucky Horse Park. Since its inception in 1985, the KHP Foundation has raised more than $25 million, which has funded critical improvements such as new facilities, research projects, new horses, landscaping ventures, and much more.
Come Join Us on the Legacy Trail
WHO: All Fayette citizens are challenged to come out in support
WHAT: 2nd Sunday on the Legacy Trail – an afternoon to walk, run, bike, rollerblade, skateboard, push a stroller or walk a pet
WHEN: Sunday, October 14, 2012 – 2-6 p.m.
WHERE: Legacy Trail located along the Newtown Pike corridor
WHY: Since 2008, the University of Kentucky Extension Service has coordinated community wide 2nd Sunday events by closing downtown streets, airport runways, etc.
In 5 short years 2nd Sunday has exploded into hundreds of communities across the state. In Fayette County, permanent infrastructure of trails is becoming assets the community now owns and utilizes. The Legacy Trail is the crown jewel.
Kentucky is one of the least healthy states in the US. 2nd Sunday is a prime opportunity for local citizens to display their resolve in remedying this status. Be there. Be healthy.
COMMUNITY HOSTS: Fayette County Cooperative Extension; Kentucky Horse Park; Lexington-Fayette County Health Dept.; Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government; Lexmark; Spindletop Hall, YMCA of Central Kentucky
ACTIVITIES:
Kentucky Horse Park:
2-5pm: $5.00 adults admission and free for kids under 12 and under along with Free parking. Must present 2nd Sunday sticker for parking and admission (each individual), so be sure to hit the Legacy Trail first. Note: For the safety of our guests, equestrians and horses, BICYCLES ARE NOT PERMITTED on park grounds beyond the main visitor parking lot or campground (without permission of the KHP Mounted Police.)
Spindletop Hall:
Drinks and Snacks
Coldstream Trailhead:
2-6pm: Fayette County Extension, Chiro One Wellness Center
2-4pm: Cane Run Water Shed Display
3-5pm: Capoeira Volta Ao Mundo
North Lexington YMCA:
2-6pm: Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, Hydration Station, Maximized Living, Community Action Council
2-4pm: Kids Bike Races
2-5pm: Rollerblading, Better Bites
2:30-3:30pm: Zumba
For more information and updates visit:
Our website: www.2ndsundaylexington.com
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/2ndSundayLexington
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/2ndsundaylex
The Paso Fino Horse Association is proud to present the 40th Annual Grand National Championship Show to the Horse Capital of the World, Lexington, KY. “Brio in the Bluegrass” is the theme for this year’s event, which will bring close to 600 horses to Kentucky October 7-13, 2012. Brio is a Spanish word referring to the energy and lively spirit displayed in this breed. The event is included with Kentucky Horse Park admission during the hours of 9-5, and open to the public without charge in the evenings. The public is also welcome to participate in the “Ride a Paso Fino” program on Friday and Saturday to experience the naturally smooth ride for which the Paso Fino is known.
Audiences can view these remarkable horses competing all seven days of the event. Traditional lead line and under-saddle classes will be complimented by several recreational competitions, speed events, and exhibitions. Watch the Classic Fino type horses display their quick-stepping gait and cheer with the crowd as they move down the sounding board. Come see the 2nd Annual Paso Fino Cowboy Mounted Shooting Competition – one of the fastest growing equine sports in the nation. Watch Paso Fino Horse Soccer, a growing interest among equestrians for both competitive and rehabilitative purposes. Watch Paso Finos barrel race and pole bend, showing off their agility and quickness. Watch the horses navigate natural hurdles in the Obstacle Trail Challenge and display their all-around versatility in the Freestyle Competition and a Freestyle Exhibition by Camilla Willings and her stallion ‘Mercy,’ the 2010 North American Wind Rider Challenge Champions. After all this, ride one for yourself in the Ride a Paso Fino program!
The Paso Fino horse is a gaited breed that is gaining popularity in the US due to their sweet temperaments and spirited nature under saddle – not to mention the smoothest ride in the world. Perfect for all riders, especially youth, these horses range in size from 13-15 hands and have the versatility required for any number of disciplines. Their size, smooth gait, and sweet demeanors also make them the choice mount for those with back injuries or limited mobility. Paso Finos come in every equine color, with long manes and tails. They naturally prefer their unique, smooth gait, but can also walk, canter, and even gallop like non-gaited breeds.
The Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park, John Nicholson, says, “We are honored that the Paso Fino Horse Association has selected the Kentucky Horse Park to host their Grand National in 2012, which will be a wonderful asset to our park and the surrounding communities. It will also be an exciting introduction for Kentuckians who will quickly be dazzled and enamored by this very old and elegant Spanish breed. Their beauty and brilliant style will win countless hearts, and many local businesses will benefit from the Paso Fino Grand National moving to our state.”
The show is included with park admission during the day and free at night. The PFHA will be welcoming our US Veterans and Active Military with free admission on Friday of the show week. We invite any and all to come out and learn about this fabulous, gaited breed. For more information, visit www.pfha.org or watch online at www.PFHAlive.com. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
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High resolution photos available.
Contact:
Catherine King
859-825-6006
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Standardbred pacer Won The West will be welcomed to the Kentucky Horse Park’s Hall of Champions on Saturday, October 6. This Two-Time Divisional and Breeders Crown Champion was retired in September as a leader in Standardbred racing with lifetime earnings of $3,939,836.
In honor of the horse’s arrival at the park, Mayor Jim Gray has declared October 6 “Won The West Day” in Lexington, KY, and his office has prepared a certificate that will be presented to the owners on Saturday.
Won The West made 109 lifetime starts in his career with 36 firsts, 24 seconds and 15 thirds. In 2009, he won the Breeders Crown in a stakes-record time of 1:47, and he won the same race again in 2010. This 8-year-old gelding was voted Older Pacer of the Year in 2009 and 2010 by the U.S. Harness Writers, and was twice awarded the Dan Patch trophy as top older pacing horse.
“The Kentucky Horse Park is honored to have Won The West join our Hall of Champions,” said John Nicholson, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park. “This exceptional horse is a star for the Standardbred industry, and we look forward to sharing him and his story with the throngs of visitors who enjoy the park each year. He will be a welcome addition to our champion line-up, and we thank his connections for entrusting his care to our team.”
Won The West was bred in New Jersey by Fair Winds Farm by Western Hanover out of Gabrielle by Dragon’s Lair, he was foaled in 2004. Won The West was purchased for $35,000 by trainer Brian Brown at the Harrisburg Yearling Sale. Brown purchased the colt for James Koehler’s Country Club Acres, Inc. of Findlay, Ohio; the Kantzer family’s Strollin Stable of Marion, Ohio; and, William Robinson of Findlay, Ohio.
With trainer Ron Burke added to the team in 2007, Won The West went on to be one of the highest-earning horses on the Standardbred racing circuit, beating some of the biggest names in racing such as Mister Big and winning the Canadian Pacing Derby, the Indiana Pacing Derby, the Bobby Quillin Memorial and the Dan Patch Invitational, as well as three American national stakes titles.
Won The West joins fellow Standardbred pacing champions Staying Together and Western Dreamer, and Standardbred trotting champion Mr. Muscleman, at the Hall of Champions.
The public is invited to welcome him to Kentucky at the Hall of Champions at the Won The West Welcome Ceremony at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 6. The welcome ceremony is open to the public, or guests may choose to stay and visit the rest of the park with regular visitor admission ($16 for adults, $8 for children 7-12, no charge for children 6 and under in the party).
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The Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm/theme park and equine competition facility dedicated to man's relationship with the horse. The park is an agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and hosted more than 825,000 visitors and campers, as well as 15,000 competition horses in more than 200 special events and horse shows in 2011. The park is home to the National Horse Center which comprises more than 30 national and regional equine organizations. Located at Exit 120, Interstate 75, just north of Lexington, the Kentucky Horse Park is The place to get close to horses. Open daily March 15 to Nov. 4, and Wednesday through Sunday, Nov. 5 to March 15.
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4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, Kentucky 40511
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