Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Bayer A Winner with Tourists

LEXINGTON, KY—February 12, 2002—Competing with tours of azalea-filled gardens and historic homes across the South, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Bayer has been named one of the top 20 activities for tourists in 10 states for the month of April by the Southeast Tourism Society. The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, at the Kentucky Horse Park, attracts more than 80,000 horse-loving spectators for exciting equine sport known as the ultimate challenge of horse and rider. This year's event takes place April 25-28 at the 1,200-acre park, a working horse farm with museums on 50 breeds of horses.

The Southeastern Tourism Society is a non-profit organization whose goals are to develop, market and promote tourism in the Southeastern United States. Its more than 450 members represent hotels and resorts, attractions, convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce and other organizations that promote travel.

"This is an incredible honor for our event," said Jane Atkinson, Executive Vice President of Equestrian Events, Inc., producer of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. "Spring is such a busy time with so many events taking place during one of the loveliest seasons of the year. We appreciate the support and enthusiasm that horse lovers everywhere have brought to Rolex."

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, sponsored by Rolex Watch USA, is the highest level of Eventing competition, generally reserved for World Championships and Olympic Games. Rolex attracts the absolute best international riders, many of whom represent their countries at the Olympic level. This year's Rolex is the primary U.S. Selection Trial for the 2002 World Eventing Championships that will be held as part of the World Equestrian Games in September in Spain.

The Rolex competition offers $190,000 in prize money, an increase of $40,000 over last year. The winner will be awarded a Rolex timepiece and $60,000, a $10,000 increase. In Eventing, horses and riders are judged on three phases of competition that take place over three days to test the all-around ability of the horse, often termed a triathlon for horse and rider. No other equestrian sport tests horse and rider so completely.

For more information on the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, please call Equestrian Events, Inc. at (859) 233-2362, or fax at (859) 254-5116. General event and ticket information can be obtained at the Event's website, www.rk3de.org or by calling (859) 254-8123.