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KENTUCKY HORSE PARK TO BID ON 2006 WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES

Park Commission Chairman To Appoint Committee To Begin Bid Process

Lexington, KY (December 1, 2000) - Walt Robertson, chairman of the Kentucky Horse Park Commission, announced today that the park intends to bid on the 2006 World Equestrian Games (WEG). The International Equestrian Federation (FEI), located in Lausanne, Switzerland, awarded the WEG to Jerez, Spain, in 2002, and is expected to be inviting bids for 2006.

The WEG combines, in the same place and at the same time, the World Championships of the seven FEI recognized disciplines of show jumping, three-day eventing, dressage, driving, vaulting, endurance and reigning. The WEG began in 1990 in Stockholm, Sweden, and have been held throughout Europe on a four-year rotation in the middle of the Olympic cycle. If the FEI awards the event to Kentucky, the 2006 games would be the first to be held in the Americas, as well as the first held outside of Europe.

"The Kentucky Horse Park Commission is thrilled about the possibility of bringing the 2006 World Equestrian Games to Lexington, Kentucky," said Walt Robertson. "We will create a team of the best equestrian and business minds in Kentucky to put together a winning bid for the games. Together with the incredible facilities of the Kentucky Horse Park, we will firmly establish Kentucky as the leading center for equestrian sport in the world."

The Committee for the Kentucky Equestrian Games will be formed over the next two months. Committee members will be chosen on their abilities to contribute to a winning bid proposal, as well as the economic success of the games.

"By hosting the 2006 World Equestrian Games, Kentucky would experience the equivalent of an equine Super Bowl," said John Nicholson, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park. "The prestige associated with these games will draw visitors from around the world, and will focus international attention on Lexington and the state as a whole."

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