The 2018 Kentucky Three-Day Event will host a new CSI*** show jumping competition as part of its schedule of international equestrian competition. Equestrian Events Inc., producer of the Kentucky Three-Day Event, in partnership with the Split Rock Jumping Tour will host the new $225,000 Invitational Grand Prix.

The 2018 Kentucky CCI**** will return to the Kentucky Horse Park April 26-29. The new $225,000 jumper class will be held in the Rolex Stadium on Saturday afternoon following the completion of the cross-country phase.

“We are thrilled to add a major FEI show jumping grand prix to our internationally-recognized event,” said EEI President Stewart Perry. “For almost four decades, equestrian sports fans have traveled from all over to see eventing’s best riders and horses, and now they will have a chance to see show jumping’s best at the same time. I think it’s safe to say that the ‘Best Weekend All Year’ just got even better!”

In addition to the $225,000 Invitational Grand Prix, which will feature 30 international riders, there will be a $35,000 1.45-meter FEI ranking class on Friday afternoon following the completion of the dressage competition. Guilherme Jorge, show jumping course designer at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, will be course designer for the CSI.

“The Kentucky Three-Day Event is well established as one of the world’s premier equestrian events,” said Derek Braun, founder and CEO of the Split Rock Jumping Tour.

“We are so excited to join forces with EEI and do what we can to put on a show jumping event of the same magnitude. This will be a huge boost for the sport of showjumping in America to capitalize on the incredible atmosphere that the Kentucky three-day event has established!”