- Great Britain’s Oliver Townend, winner of the 2019 Land Rover Kentucky Three‑Day Event, presented by MARS Equestrian, awarded 12‑month lease of 2019 Land Rover Discovery
(LEXINGTON, KY) – April 29, 2019 – After four days of thrilling world‑class action, Great Britain's Oliver Townend made history becoming the first British rider to successfully defend his title and win the Land Rover Kentucky Three‑Day Event, presented by MARS Equestrian, in back‑to‑back years. Townend's win not only secured a healthy share of the $400,000 prize money, but also the keys to a 12‑month lease of a 2019 Land Rover Discovery vehicle.
With just one pole separating the top three riders on the final day, the electric atmosphere turned into tension when Tim Price (NZL), lying in third place, produced a stunning clear round to put the pressure on the final two athletes. All eyes were then on home hero Boyd Martin (USA) and Tsetserleg, with the patriotic crowd eager for an American victory for the first time in 11 years. An eruption of applause echoed through the stadium as Martin cleared the final fence and was just one horse away from victory. Silence fell as Oliver Townend and Cooley Master Class entered the arena, hungry to defend their 2018 title. With nerves of steel, Townend delivered a faultless round, denying the home victory for Boyd Martin, and making history to become the first ever British equestrian to win back‑to‑back Land Rover Kentucky Three‑Day Event titles.
Land Rover returned this year with a number of experiential activities and fan favorites, including the ‘Start Off‑Road’ teen drive, the ‘Junior Drive’ experience as well as the adult off‑road experience1. In addition to the drive experiences, Land Rover also brought back the ‘Ultimate Stable Experience,’ which featured the new 2020 Range Rover Evoque, as well as an array of the finest equestrian apparel and equipment.
Earlier on in the event, Land Rover held the annual Tailgate Competition, where John Whitty and Beth Geiser (Louisville) were awarded an exclusive 2019 ticket package and tailgate spot as the top prize for the most inventive and stylish tailgate.
Fans will be able to relive all the action with the broadcast of the Land Rover Kentucky Three‑Day Event on NBC on May 5 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM EST and again on NBCSN on June 23 from 1:00 – 2:00 PM EST.
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” paricipants 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.
2Participants must be 18 years or older to ride along