Press release from Kentucky Invitational

At night when the eventers are at rest, the show jumpers come out to play at the Kentucky Horse Park. On Friday, they enjoyed a speed class to set the stage for the $226,000 Kentucky CSI3* Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute on Saturday night. Under the lights in the Rolex Stadium, Lebanon’s Jad Dana and After Eight (Diarado x Cardento) took home the top spot in the $38,700 Welcome Speed Cup Ranking Class, roaring through the timers with no jumping faults in 60.03 seconds.

The $226,000 Kentucky CSI3* Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute takes place as part of the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ (LRK3DE). Organized by Equestrian Events Inc. (EEI) and known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the LRK3DE features one of only seven annual Five Star three-day events in the world. It annually attracts more than 80,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences and a wide array of demonstrations.

With Dana in the irons, the 13-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare owned by Spring Hill Farm flew easily around the course, taking tight lines to secure the win. “It’s been amazing; I’m very lucky to get the ride on After Eight,” Dana said. “My plan today wasn’t to go that fast, but she is naturally extremely fast, and if I go at her speed and a little more, I can go really fast.” 

Alex Matz (USA), son of Show Jumping Hall of Famer and three-time U.S. Olympian Michael Matz and Pan American Games team Bronze Medalist D.D. Alexander Matz, finished second with Cashew CR (0/63.03). Fellow American Charlotte Jacobs finished third with Rincoola Milsean (0/64.56). 

Thirty-nine horses and riders tested course designer Guilherme Jorge’s track of 12 jumps and 14 jumping efforts set at 1.45 meters. Fifteen pairs finished fault-free, but speed was the name of the game. 

In order to compete for the big money on Saturday, all the horse-and-rider combinations had to do was complete the speed class. They will now move forward to the Grand Prix on Saturday night, which takes place at 6 p.m. 

The USA’s Daisy Farish also brought home an award Friday night, earning the show jumpers’ Best Dressed Award presented by Hound&Hare at her first time competing in this event.