Michael Jung (GER) riding Fischerrocana FST, winner of the 2016 Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event.

© RK3DE

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is just days away (27-30 April), with more than 60 horse and rider combinations set to take part.

The organisers of the event formed initially to stage the 1978 World Three Day Event Championships, which were held at the newly-built Kentucky Horse Park — the current home of the event. An initial competition was held at the park in 1976 in the lead up to the World Championships. Rolex Watches — the current sponsor — first came on board way back in 1981 and has enjoyed a long affiliation with the Kentucky 3DE.

The event was used as selection trials for many Olympic Games and World Championships over the years. In 1998 it became the first four star event held outside of Europe; they held both a three star and four star event that year, before dropping the three star in 2000.

In 1999, the Grand Slam of Eventing was introduced, offering riders the chance to win $250,000. The Grand Slam consisted of Kentucky, Badminton and Burghley; riders had to win the three events in succession.

In 2004, the wheels were set in motion to change the event format. The organisers included the Bayer Modified Four Star Three-Day Event offered (short format) along with Rolex Kentucky. By 2006, Rolex Kentucky had shifted permanently to short form.

2007 marked ten years since the event became a four star event — this year marks 20 years!

William Fox-Pitt (GBR) and Bay My Hero at the 2014 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.

© StockImageServices.com/FEI

In recent years, winners of the main event include:

2014 - William Fox-Pitt and Bay My Hero
2015 - Michael Jung and Fischerrocana FST
2016 - Michael Jung and Fischerrocana FST

Will Michael Jung add the to the history of this prestigious event and secure a hat trick of wins? This year, he saddles up his mount from the past two years, Fischerrocana FST — so he’s the one to beat!

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