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The third edition of the Rolex Central Park Horse show returns in September to the world famous Wollman Rink. Since its inception in 2014, the show has quickly developed into a highlight on the global equestrian and New York social calendar and for the second year running Rolex is proud to be title sponsor of the show, continuing its long-standing commitment to equestrian sport.
With New York’s breath-taking skyline for a backdrop, the Rolex Central Park Horse show is the first outdoor, multi-day equestrian event in the city, showcasing elite level show jumpers and dressage riders. The combination of an unparalleled setting and world class equestrian athletes attracts New York society and equestrian fans from afar to watch the action unfold.
In just two years, the show has quickly established itself as one of the world’s leading equestrian events and some of the biggest names in international show jumping will return to contend for Friday night’s Rolex Grand Prix, before the world’s best dressage riders, take centre stage on Saturday.
THE CONCEPT
The Rolex Central Park Horse Show is the creation of event promoter Mark Bellissimo, who wanted to bring the thrill of equestrian sport to a wider audience and conceived the daring idea of staging a show in the heart of Central Park.
Mark Bellissimo commented, “The first two years of this wonderful event brought many memorable moments to an unparalleled location in one of the greatest cities in the world. The extraordinary talent of the competitors, as well as the iconic backdrop of the venue in New York City, continues to give worldwide exposure to equestrian sport in the United States.”
MULTI-DISCIPLINE EVENT
With action across five days and from several equestrian disciplines, including show jumping, dressage, hunters and Arabians there is plenty for spectators to enjoy.
Mark Bellissimo commented, “The event provides a fantastic opportunity for horse enthusiasts to enjoy multi-discipline entertainment in an incredible venue. This year the event continues to develop and showcase a broad range of disciplines competing at many different levels. This is a special experience where spectators can see the best of the best compete in U.S. Open championship competition, as well as receive a look at some of the future stars of our sport.”
The show will commence on Wednesday 21 September featuring the U.S. Open Arabian Horse Show. Thursday and Friday will see some of the world’s top show jumpers compete under the impressive New York skyline.
Saturday 24 September will see the U.S. Open Dressage Freestyle competition take place and many of the world’s illustrious equestrian athletes who have already announced their intention to compete at this iconic venue.
THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX
The showpiece event, the Rolex Grand Prix, takes place on the Friday night and is set to attract some of the world’s leading show jumpers.
U.S. Team silver medallist at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and Rolex Testimonee Kent Farrington is poised to return to Central Park to contend for the Rolex Grand Prix.
Farrington commented, “It is really exciting to ride at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show, I think it’s one of the best venues we can have to showcase our sport.”
The inaugural Central Park Grand Prix was won by Georgina Bloomberg, daughter of former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg and a hugely popular champion in front of her home crowd. She will undoubtedly return in a bid to contend for the coveted trophy.
ROLEX’S EQUESTRIAN HERITAGE
Rolex’s support of show jumping dates back more than half a century. The prestigious Swiss watch brand’s close and long-standing association with equestrianism demonstrates its appreciation of a domain in which fair play, equality, horsemanship and tradition highlight superior skill, accuracy and achievement. From Pat Smythe, the greatest female show jumper ever to represent Britain and Rolex’s first equestrian Testimonee in 1957, to Scott Brash, the only rider in history to win three consecutive Majors in the Grand Slam in September 2015, Rolex continues to support riders in the three Olympic disciplines of show jumping, dressage and eventing, all of which demonstrate qualities of excellence, perfection and elegance.
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