- Land Rover North America returns to Kentucky Three‑Day Event for its first year as title sponsor
- Land Rover’s new “Start Off‑Road” teen driving experience will debut at the event, allows young adults ages 14 – 20 years‑old a first experience behind the wheel under close supervision of Land Rover Driving Instructors
- Overall competition winner will be awarded a 12‑month lease of a Land Rover Discovery
- The new partnership with the prestigious equestrian event is part of a four‑year deal, demonstrating continued support of the equestrian community
MAHWAH, NJ) – April 12, 2018 – The Land Rover Kentucky Three‑Day Event, taking place at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY April 26‑29, 2018, is set to be the biggest edition yet. After 5 years as the presenting sponsor of the event, and a principal partner of US Equestrian for the past 8 years, Land Rover will assume the role of title sponsor. Tagged as the ‘Best Weekend all Year,’ the Land Rover brand will enhance the Kentucky Three‑Day Event with new consumer activations for the entire family.
With the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon taking place in September, this year’s starting line‑up is anticipated to be one of the most competitive yet as riders aim to make their mark ahead of team selection.
The renowned equestrian competition, won in 2017 by three‑time Olympic gold medalist and current world no. 1, Michael Jung of Germany, will be sure to challenge those striving for their share of the significant $400,000 prize money.
As part of Land Rover’s partnership with the event, the triumphant rider of the inaugural Land Rover Kentucky Three‑Day Event will not only claim their share of the prize fund, but also will be presented with the keys to a 12‑month lease of a Land Rover Discovery. The keys to the car will be awarded to the winning rider by Kim McCullough, Vice President of Marketing for Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC following the Show Jumping finale.
“We are very excited to be returning to the Kentucky Three‑Day Event, one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world. Land Rover’s long‑standing affiliation with equestrian sport has been strengthened by taking on the new role as title sponsor, making for an even more exciting year ahead.” said Kim McCullough, Vice President, Marketing, Jaguar Land Rover North America.
Situated within the Sponsor Village will be the newly created ‘Start Off‑Road’ Teen Driving Experience, aimed at introducing young adults ages 14 years old and up to the exhilaration of driving, while maintaining the importance of car control and safety behind the wheel1. Teenage drivers will drive either the Land Rover Discovery Sport or Range Rover Evoque on a multi‑terrain course all under the watchful and highly trained eyes of a Land Rover Driving Instructor.
Not wanting to disappoint the younger members of the family, Land Rover will also run a ‘Junior Drive Experience’ for children aged four through eight years old in mini electric cars, modeled on the original Land Rover Series I vehicle, on a specially created course1.
Adult ticket holders are invited to test‑drive the full‑size Range Rover, Land Rover Discovery, the midsize Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar on a purpose‑built off‑road course which is designed to highlight the vehicles’ deep breadth of capability, and refined luxury.
The Land Rover brand’s ‘Ultimate Stable Experience’ was created in 2017 to provide attendees insight into the six different Land Rover models, each which encompass their own defining characteristics, personality and positioning. Given the excitement around that first event the program returns in 2018 showcasing the brand’s compact Land Rover Discovery Sport SUV. It will be displayed alongside a range of top equestrian apparel and equipment. As part of the Stable Experience, visitors will have a chance to meet some of the competitors at rider autograph signings; there will even be a miniature pony for younger fans to pose with for photographs.
The seventh annual “Land Rover Tailgate Experience,” which invites participants to showcase their most inspired vision of a quintessential British designed tailgate, is back. The winner will receive an exclusive ticket package and tailgate spot for the 2019 Three‑Day Event.
Lastly, for those attending with canine companions they are encouraged to head to the “Rover Lounge,” located next to the “Test Drive” area, where furry friends can find treats and fresh water during their visit.
As one of only six annual Four Star Three‑Day Events in the world, over 80,000 spectators are predicted to make their way to the Kentucky Horse Park to catch the four days of supreme action. The event will be telecast on the NBC Network on Sunday May 6, 2018 between 2:00‑3:00 pm EDT and will re‑air on the Olympic Channel on Saturday, May 26, between 3:00 – 4:00 pm EDT. Go to the USEF Network for livestream details of the competition that will air daily.
To find out more information about the 2018 Land Rover Kentucky Three‑Day Event, and how to purchase tickets, please visit their website.
1All participants will be required to complete an introductory safety briefing prior to participation and participant’s parent or guardian must sign a waiver. “Start Off‑Road Teen Driving Experience” participants must be 14 to 20 years of age, meet height restrictions and be accompanied on course by a parent or guardian. Participants in the "Junior Drive Experience” must be four to eight years old. Description of programs are subject to change. Open to ticket holders only.