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2006 If you have questions or need assistance, call Niki Heichelbech at (800)848-1224 or (859) 244-7707 or email lexmedia@visitlex.com Click here to access the main archives page. December 21, 2006 Thoroughbred Hospitality Elects to Drop Best Western Brand From Local Hotel October 30, 2006 Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau wins Two Traverse Awards for Excellence September 18, 2006 Old Friends Farm Opens the Inn at Old Friends September 15, 2006 NBC leads off parade of media coming to town. August 8, 2006 Buffalo Trace Bourbons Surpass Competition. 2006 International Wine & Spirits Competition names medal winners. July 26, 2006 Dates for Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Set for 2010 May 19, 2006 CEO Named to Lead 2010 FEI Games TM in Kentucky Long-time International Sports Event Executive Chosen May 15, 2006 Dream of Thoroughbred Ownership Comes True for Lucky Cincinnati Winner. Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau gives away a 5% share of filly Gracie Jo Click here to access the archives. December 21, 2006 Thoroughbred Hospitality Elects to Drop Best Western Brand From Local Hotel Lexington, KY —As of January 2007, Thoroughbred Hospitality will no longer operate their property on South Broadway under the Best Western name brand. The property, currently known as Best Western Downtown Hotel and Suites will be newly named the Inn on Broadway and no longer be affiliated with the Best Western chain of hotels. “This will save considerable costs for franchise fees and enable the hotel to enjoy the advantages of running an independent operation,” said Joe Montgomery, President of Thoroughbred Hospitality. “The market's reception to the renovation and upgrade that we recently completed, has been beyond our expectations and quite frankly, has created a situation where we do not need the brand affiliation" said Joe Mitchell, Sales Director. The locally owned and operated hotel is part of Crowne Plaza the Campbell House complex and is operated by Thoroughbred Hospitality. The Suite hotel was added to Crowne Plaza the Campbell House family of buildings in the late 1980’s in order to accommodate long term guests in the tobacco and horse business. The 64 units, including 39 suites, underwent extensive renovations in September 2005, at the same time as Crowne Plaza the Campbell House, and recently received Best Western’s prestigious Governor’s Award for outstanding service and facilities. Guests of the Inn on Broadway will continue to enjoy the service and amenities that have given the property such a positive reputation. “We continuously receive positive feedback from our guests and serve many repeat customers,” said Montgomery , “We’re looking forward to continuous growth in this market, based on our product’s reputation, sales focus and word of mouth references.” A quaint lobby with fireplace, beautiful guest rooms, and reduced price are all part of the hotel’s position as an affordable boutique hotel. “The Inn on Broadway is for the guest that doesn’t need to be in the middle of it all, but wants to enjoy all that this property has to offer,” said Jennie Grote, General Manager. In addition to continental breakfast, a business center and fitness center, guests of the Inn on Broadway have full access to all the amenities, such as the pool and Bogart’s lounge, located in Crowne Plaza the Campbell House. Reservations for the Inn on Broadway will still be handled directly through the in-house reservation department at the Crowne Plaza at 859-255-4281. ### Source: Thoroughbred Hospitality
November 7, 2006 Raven Run Nature Sanctuary Becomes Largest Fayette County Park After 200+ Acre Land Purchase With the acquisition of more than 256 acres of pristine farm and woodland in southern Fayette County, the Raven Run Nature Sanctuary has become the largest park in Lexington. The facility now encompasses approximately 726 acres, including 3,300 feet of Kentucky River frontage and historic palisades. The acquisition has been discussed for more than a decade. The property, located along Evans Mill Road, was owned by Dr. Ben and Mary Jo Crawford. After lengthy due diligence inspections, multiple appraisals and negotiations, the property was purchased for $1,685,000. Funding for the purchase comes from general fund appropriations along with a grant from the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation fund. “This is a great day for our parks system,” said Chuck Ellis, Director of the Division of Park and Recreation. “The Raven Run Nature Sanctuary is one of the true jewels in our park and recreation system. The ability to add to it with the bonus of being able to protect more than a half –mile of riverfront makes this one of the most significant additions to our parks system in recent years. Our thanks go out to the many individuals and groups who helped make this happen and were invaluable during this complicated process.” The Raven Run Nature Sanctuary is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the Kentucky River Palisades and early Kentucky historic features. More than 600 species of plants have been identified at Raven Run with more than two dozen plants and trees listed as plants of special concern by the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission. Wildlife including turkey, white-tailed deer, quail, rabbits, also make Raven Run home. Over 200 species of birds stay in the park year-round or use it as a significant resting area during Spring and Fall migrations. Visitors to Raven Run can access a wide variety of natural areas via a 10-mile network of trails that cross through meadows, streams, woodlands and a scenic outlook near the Kentucky River. A paved Freedom Trail is accessible to persons with disabilities. Historic features within Raven Run include a lime kiln, gristmill and historic farmhouse. The Raven Run nature Center provides educational displays, maps and brochures regarding these cultural and natural resources. Classes and seminars are offered year-round for persons of all ages and interest. More information about the educational offerings at Raven Run is available through the parks web site at www.lfucg.com/parks. A new Raven Run Visitor and Tourist Center has been designed and is currently being evaluated for actual construction in the near future. The structure will include a new display and learning center, classrooms and group facilities. Raven Run’s trails are open every day from 9a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The mission of the Division and of Parks and Recreation is to provide quality parkland, recreational facilities, programs and open spaces for all. ### Source: LFUCG Division of Parks and Recreation October 30, 2006 Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau wins Two Traverse Awards for Excellence Frankfort, KY, October 28, 2006 – Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau has received two awards within its division in the Kentucky Tourism Council 2006 Traverse Awards for Excellence Tourism Marketing competition. These are First Place for Television Advertising and an Honorable Mention for Tourism Rack Brochure. The awards presentation was held October 24 during an evening gala at the Executive West Hotel in Louisville as part of the Kentucky Tourism Industry Annual Conference. Traverse Awards are presented annually for the best work in advertising and marketing among Kentucky tourism businesses and marketing organizations. This year, a panel of out-of-state experts in tourism marketing judged more than 200 entries from across the state. The Traverse Awards for Excellence in Tourism Marketing are open to Kentucky Tourism Council and Kentucky Hotel & Lodging Association members offering a tourism product or service in Kentucky. All entries must have been published or distributed within the past year. Each entry is judged its creativity and how well it relates to its audience. The Kentucky Tourism Council is a Frankfort-based state association that represents every segment of Kentucky’s tourism industry. The 575-member organization offers continuing education programs, works in the area of governmental relations and provides legislative advocacy for Kentucky’s travel industry. ### Source: Kentucky Tourism Council October 17 Buffalo Trace Distillery wins a new Triple Crown. Wine Enthusiast Magazine names Buffalo Trace "Distiller of the Year" Franklin Co, KY --Wine Enthusiast Magazine has named Buffalo Trace Distillery “2006 Distiller of the Year.” This recognition comes after a stellar 2005 in which Buffalo Trace won both Malt Advocate Magazine’s “Distillery of the Year” award and Whisky Magazine’s “Distiller of the Year” award. Wine Enthusiast will present this latest award to Buffalo Trace January 29, 2007 at their “Wine Star” industry awards dinner held at the New York Public Library. “We consider this award to be a new kind of Kentucky Triple Crown and we are celebrating,” said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller of Buffalo Trace. “To have such a notable publication as Wine Enthusiast Magazine take notice of our bourbons speaks volumes on the quality and craftsmanship going into every bottle of whiskey made here.” Along with the recent awards from Wine Enthusiast, Malt Advocate and Whisky Magazine other publications such as Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible have also honored the whiskeys of Buffalo Trace Distillery. Since 2001 Buffalo Trace has earned six “Whiskey of the Year” titles and more than 100 other awards for brands such as: Buffalo Trace, George T. Stagg, Eagle Rare Single Barrel, W.L. Weller and Elmer T. Lee. For more informa tion on the Wine Enthusiast Magazine and their annual “Wine Star” awards please visit www.winemag.com and to learn more about the award-winning bourbons of Buffalo Trace Dis tillery go to www.greatbourbon.com. ### Source: Buffalo Trace Distillery September 18, 2006 Old Friends Farm Opens the Inn at Old Friends Old Friends has achieved yet another milestone; the Scott Country Board of Adjustments unanimously approved the home of retired Thoroughbred champions to operate a Bed and Breakfast at their 52 acre Georgetown farm and visitor facility. The Inn at Old Friends features sweeping views of the horse farm from each of the rooms located in the main residence. Guests are only steps away from the paddocks of celebrated Mulitple Grade 1 winners that now have a permanent retirement home at Old Friends. The farm houses 22 former racehorses, including Thoroughbred movie celebrity, Popcorn Deelites, who was cast as one of eight horses that played “Seabiscuit”. In addition to the impressive array of pensioned Thoroughbreds on the farm, there are miniature donkeys, picnic facilities, a basketball court and a private pond for enjoyment by the guests. The decision to open a B&B was a natural evolution of the growth of the non-profit organization. For Old Friends founder Michael Blowen, establishing a B&B on the property adds even more appeal to the destination. “My wife and I always wanted to stay at a horse farm when we visited the Bluegrass. Now we live on one and we’d love to have like-minded guests stay with us!” The Inn at Old Friends will officially open on September 22, 2006 with two guest rooms available, both with private baths. Cost per room, per night begins at $150 and includes a continental breakfast each morning. The farm is conveniently located only 2 miles north of I-64 and is a 15 minutes drive from Lexington and 50 minutes from Louisville. ### Source: Old Friends Farm September 15, 2006 NBC leads off parade of media coming to town. Last December when Gov. Ernie Fletcher announced that Kentucky had been awarded the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010, there was a promise that the media spotlight would soon start to shine on Kentucky . It starts this weekend. Camera crews representing NBC Sports will be at the Kentucky Horse Park to tape some interviews and capture some footage all of which will be used in a 90-minute special on the 2006 World Equestrian Games that recently ended in Aächen , Germany . NBC will air highlights from the European event following its upcoming Ryder Cup coverage—and they will alsopreview the 2010 event. “Carr-Hughes will oversee production of the 90-minute show, which will prominently feature some of the beauty that is the Bluegrass and horse country,” said Rolf Linder, senior vice president of sales and marketing for the World Games 2010 Foundation, the organizing body for the Kentucky event. “This will be but a small sampling of the media attention that will be cast on Lexington and all of Kentucky . This is an exciting time—not only because it will build interest in the games, it will start to spread a travel and tourism message to new audiences.” “The Kentucky Horse Park will be at its peak of early fall beauty and we’re delighted to host the NBC production team here in Lexington ,” said John Nicholson, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park . “We’re well-equipped to handle national and international media and we look forward to making the NBC broadcast a success not only for the Kentucky Horse Park , but also for the 2010 Games and the entire commonwealth as well.” Veteran sports announcer Kenny Rice will serve as the Kentucky Horse Park host during the broadcast. A number of local companies and organizations have purchased advertising time for the program when it airs on September 24. The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010, to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park , are the world championships of the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale ( FEI ), and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe ; nor have all eight disciplines been held together at a single site— both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park . Carr-Hughes has a long and successful history of bringing non-traditional TV sports like curling, luge, equestrian and cycling to major national TV audiences. Based in Greenfield Center , NY , near Saratoga Springs , Carr-Hughes Productions maintains its own editing, closed captioning, graphic, voice over and High Definition production facilities as well as a new mobile Avid edit unit. ### Source: World Games 2010 Foundation August 8, 2006 Buffalo Trace Bourbons Surpass Competition. 2006 International Wine & Spirits Competition names medal winners. Franklin County, Kentucky — The International Wine & Spirits Competition announced its 2006 winners. The whiskeys of Buffalo Trace Distillery earned more medals than any other American distillery. The competition was held this June in London, England. The following Buffalo Trace products received medals: · William Larue Weller—Gold Medal & Best in Class
“It is an honor to have so many of our brands recognized at such a prestigious competition,” said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller of Buffalo Trace. “We try to make the best whiskey possible and awards like these really validate our efforts.” Buffalo Trace has garnered more awards since 1990 than any other North American distillery—over 150 awards for more than 15 different brands. In 2005 Whisky Magazine named Buffalo Trace “Distiller of the Year.” The distillery was also named “2005 Distillery of the Year” by Malt Advocate Magazine. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotrace.com and for a complete list of IWSC winners go to www.iwsc.net. ### Source: Buffalo Trace Distillery July 26, 2006 Dates for Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Set for 2010 LEXINGTON , KY: Save the dates! The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games at the Kentucky Horse Park are now officially scheduled for September 25 to October 10, 2010. The official name of the games has also been finalized: “Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.” “We’ll have a great deal more information to share in the coming weeks,” said John Nicholson, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park and President of the World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc., “but for the time-being, we want to get this on everyone’s calendars and let all of the loyal clients and supportive constituents of the Kentucky Horse Park know exactly what we’re doing.” Jack Kelly, CEO of the World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc., observed, “We want to do what’s best for the horses and be a good neighbor at the same time, so we factored a number of considerations into the equation and arrived at the end of September. A major issue for us was a concern about Pyroplasmosis, a disease spread to horses by dog ticks. These ticks go dormant after Labor Day, so we wanted to eliminate the threat by working with the United States Department of Agriculture to ascertain the best time for Pyroplasmosis-positive horses to arrive from other countries. These dates will resolve that concern. European horses are also not as accustomed to our hot summer temperatures, so we pushed the dates back a bit in the hope of hitting ideal temperatures for the horses to compete.” He continued, “We also looked at some long-established events in the area, such as the September yearling sales and the Keeneland fall race meet, then set our dates to cause as little disruption to their events as possible. We will only overlap the last three days of the sales and the first two days of the race meet. “Finally, we had to consider hotel availability. With several hundred thousand visitors coming into the area for the games, the local hotels are crucial to our success. We consulted with them and concluded that these dates would offer the largest number of hotel rooms, and should only overlap one University of Kentucky home football game.” For more information on the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, click on www.alltechfeigames.com. ### Source: W orld Games 2010 Foundation, Inc.
July 19, 2006 International Museum of the Horse Announces Smithsonian Affiliation. Kentucky Horse Park's Museum becomes New Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. LEXINGTON , KY: The Kentucky Horse Park’s International Museum of the Horse learned this week that it has been approved to become a new affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. Smithsonian Affiliations is a unique outreach initiative that allows museums and educational and cultural institutions to obtain Smithsonian collections for exhibition. The program’s mission is to make the extensive Smithsonian collection more accessible to the American people by sharing artifacts and other resources with museums and cultural institutions across the country. In addition to artifact loans, the Smithsonian helps affiliate organizations identify other Smithsonian resources to accompany exhibit loans: education and performing arts programs, expert speakers, teacher workshops, and technical assistance. Smithsonian Affiliates also receive access to professional development workshops and research opportunities for staff, and internships for students in affiliate communities. “This is a wonderful honor for our museum,” noted park executive director, John Nicholson. “Having the opportunity to access the collections of the Smithsonian will be a tremendous asset in raising the International Museum of the Horse to an even higher standard prior to hosting the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010.” The Smithsonian considers proposals from institutions whose missions are parallel to the Smithsonian’s and who demonstrate a strong commitment to serving their communities. Since 1996, Affiliate museums have borrowed more than 7,000 artifacts from the Smithsonian collections. The museum’s director, Bill Cooke stated: “Being accepted as an affiliate by an organization as prestigious as the Smithsonian Institution is a true watershed event for the International Museum of the Horse. This partnership will open doors for us to expand our interpretation of the relationship between horse and man by incorporating both art and artifacts form the nation’s preeminent museum into our exhibits. At the same time, it will allow our staff to develop their knowledge and skills under the guidance of some of the nation’s finest museum professionals. We are very honored to receive this designation.” The goal of Smithsonian Affiliations is to establish long term, meaningful relationships with similar organizations in order to maximize the cultural and educational benefits that they can bring to a community. Its success is reflected in visitor numbers:
“Today, Smithsonian Affiliations is doing more than sharing its treasures,” said Harold A. Closter, director of Smithsonian Affiliations. “We are building relationships with people in neighborhoods coast to coast, ensuring that all Americans can enjoy a quality Smithsonian experience, regardless of their proximity to Washington , D.C. The International Museum of the Horse is one of America 's great treasures. Their commitment to education and the display of world class exhibits enriches our understanding of the unbreakable link between horses and humankind. We are very proud to establish this affiliate partnership between the International Museum of the Horse and the Smithsonian Institution and look forward to an exciting exchange of artifacts, programs and ideas.” For more information on the Smithsonian Affiliations, click on www.affiliations.si.edu. For more information on the International Museum of the Horse, click on www.kyhorsepark.com. To speak with Museum Director Bill Cooke, call 859-259-4231 ext 231 or email bill.cooke@ky.gov. ### Source: Kentucky Horse Park May 19, 2006 CEO Named to Lead 2010 FEI Games TM in Kentucky Long-time International Sports Event Executive Chosen ( Lexington, KY) – John P. (Jack) Kelly has been hired as the Chief Executive Officer of the World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc., the entity in charge of putting on the 2010 FEI Games TM in Kentucky, the world equestrian championships. Kelly, 60, currently is both the secretary-general of USA Baseball and the CEO of the Space City Sports Commission in Houston. “I’m very enthusiastic about again having the opportunity to lead a major international sporting event, particularly one like the 2010 FEI Games TM in Kentucky where so much infrastructure, excitement and support for the event already exists,” said Jack Kelly. “When the FEI awarded the Games to the Kentucky bid team, they did so with high expectations. I’m confident that we can meet and exceed these expectations and bring great credit to Kentucky.” Kelly is also the founder and CEO of Event Partners, Inc., a broad-based sports consulting and event management and advisory company. Since 1995, the company has worked with more than 100 clients on all aspects of major event bidding, site selection, planning, operations, marketing, funding and management. “I think Jack is the perfect fit for what the 2010 FEI Games TM need,” said World Games 2010 Foundation Chairman Jim Host. “With the equine expertise that we have in the United States Equestrian Federation and the Kentucky Horse Park, the political backing of both the city of Lexington and the state of Kentucky and the talents of all of our foundation members, Jack’s talents will help make these games a complete success.” In addition, Kelly served from 1990 – 1996 as both the president of Turner Broadcasting’s Goodwill Games, Inc., and the director of all Turner international sports efforts, overseeing all aspects of the $100 million-plus enterprise, including managing all national and city relationships, conducting television negotiations, maximizing television syndication as well as creating a worldwide merchandising and licensing program. Through Event Partners, Kelly also has served such clients as the Olympic bid and major event efforts of multiple U.S. and international cities and countries, the U.S. Olympic Committee, the 1996 Paralympic Games, 14 U.S. national sports governing bodies, Disney’s Wide World of Sports, five U.S. states and more than 100 municipal clients. From 2000 – 2002, Jack also served as the CEO of the Bowling Proprietors Association of America (BPAA), the national trade group for the business of bowling – a period of time which saw the BPAA reach record levels of membership, sponsorship/fundraising and trade show participation. Prior to his sports management roles, Kelly spent 16 years as a successful corporate executive serving as an officer of two Top 50 U.S. corporations (Tenneco Inc. and the American General Corporation). He has also served as a president of two separate U.S. Olympic Festivals in Houston (1986) and Minneapolis-St. Paul (1990). In addition, he was the co-chair of the U.S. Olympic Committee’s International Games Review Committee, a member of the 1994 World Cup Site Selection Committee and several USOC site selection committees. “It is very exciting to think about not only representing the State of Kentucky with this event but also the United States,” said Kelly. “It is important for our national standing in the international sports and sports business community for the U.S. to successfully host major events like the 2010 FEI Games TM and we will be up to the challenge.” Kelly’s complete resume is available upon request. A photo is also available. The FEI Games, known as the World Equestrian Games through 2006, are the world championships of the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The FEI Games have never been held outside of Europe nor have they ever all been held together at a single site; both firsts that the Kentucky Horse Park will achieve. The 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games will be held in Aachen, Germany and run from August 20 to September 3. Approximately 800 athletes and 875 horses are expected to compete there. The 2010 FEI Games TM in Kentucky is expected to sell more than 500,000 tickets and have an economic impact of more than $150 million. ### Source: W orld Games 2010 Foundation, Inc. May 18, 2006 Kentucky Tourism Council Names Junior League Horse Show Top Summer Event The Kentucky Tourism Council has selected the Lexington Junior League Horse Show as one of the Commonwealth’ summer “Top Ten” events. Held in Lexington, Kentucky on July 10-15, the Lexington Junior League Horse Show is the world’s largest Saddlebred horse show and attracts over 30,000 spectators and nearly 1,000 exhibitors. It has become a prestigious event in the Saddlebred industry as well as being the first le of the Saddlebred Triple Crown. Exhibitors come from all over the world to complete for $70,000 in prize money. Since 1937 more than $3.6 million has been raised through the horse show to benefit regional charitable organizations. A panel of impartial judges selects the Kentucky Tourism Council “Top Ten” Events for each season. Criteria for selection include popularity of the event, its impact on the local tourism economy as well as cultural and historical significance. ### Source: Kentucky Tourism Council May 15, 2006 Dream of Thoroughbred Ownership Comes True for Lucky Cincinnati Winner. Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau gives away a 5% share of filly Gracie Jo ( Lexington, KY) – Cheryl Hecht of Cincinnati, OH is the winner of the "Win a Share of a Thoroughbred Race Horse" contest sponsored by the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau and West Point Thoroughbreds. Mrs. Hecht, thrilled about becoming a Thoroughbred owner, exclaimed “wow, this is great…this is the most fun we’ve had in a long time”. The internet promotion gave away 5% of the future earnings of Gracie Jo, a three year old filly managed by West Point Thoroughbreds. The horse is currently in training at Churchill Downs in Louisville and will soon begin her racing career. Kerry Carlson of West Point Thoroughbreds said “because Gracie Jo is set to race soon, Cheryl Hecht will experience more instant gratification than most of our new owners.” West Point Thoroughbreds manages approximately 60 horses in various stages of training. "We hope this contest helps more people realize that racehorse ownership is an attainable dream." said Kerry Carlson. ### Source: Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau April 27, 2006 Kentucky's Horse Country to be Showcased on Two National TV Programs. ABC's Good Morning America and NBC Sports to air programs on Derby Weekend (Lexington, Ky.)—This week television crews from ABC and NBC blanketed the Bluegrass to tape separate features on the region. ABC’s Good Morning America Weekend Edition taped a city feature segment in and around Lexington; at the same time, NBC Sports was capturing the Rolex Three-Day Event held at the Kentucky Horse Park. Both programs are currently scheduled to air on Sunday, May 7 following the Kentucky Derby on May 6. The ABC crew visited Three Chimneys Farm, Keeneland and the downtown Lexington area to learn more about the horse industry and the city’s rich heritage. The crew taped Kentucky Derby Winner Smarty Jones at Three Chimneys and interviewed farm president, Dan Rosenberg and stallion manager, Sandy Hatfield. Ted Bassett, who has been a significant figure in the Thoroughbred industry for years, having served as the President and CEO of Keeneland Race Course and Chairman of both the Keeneland Association and the Breeders’ Cup, was their host during the visit to Keeneland. Then the crew caught up with Van Meter Pettit, a prominent Lexington architect and son of former Lexington Mayor Foster Pettit, to discuss the history of Lexington and what makes this such a special community. “During the first weekend in May all eyes are focused on Kentucky’s special day—the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. To have the national audience’s attention on Lexington’s Bluegrass Region the same weekend is phenomenal,” said David Lord, President of the Lexington Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Not only will the ABC segment show the home of the world’s most prestigious race horses and Keeneland, it also will focus on the City of Lexington and our rich history. However, the real treat is probably the NBC broadcast of the Rolex event. Now people who have never attended this event will get to experience it first hand.” The horse industry and the beautiful countryside in and around Lexington have generated much positive press for the region in the past few years. Last July, the New York Times travel section featured a beautiful photo of a Fayette County farm along with information about how to visit the area. Lexington will continue to shine in the media spotlight as preparations are made for the World Equestrian Championships that will come to the Kentucky Horse Park in 2010. ### Source: Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau April 27, 2006 Para-Equestrian Championships to be part of FEI Games 2010 in Kentucky; Governor Fletcher announces historic milestone LEXINGTON, Ky. – The 2010 FEI Games in Kentucky will make international equine history. For the first time ever, para-equestrian events will be part of the FEI Games. “This is a new chapter for the FEI Games, not only will the games be held off the European continent, but all eight disciplines will take place in one venue,” said Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher. “Our commitment to the games and to the magnificent facilities at the Kentucky Horse Park will help the para-equestrian portion of the event achieve this historic milestone.” The mission of para-equestrian sport, as defined by the International Paralympic Equestrian Committee (IPEC), is to foster the growth and excellence of international equestrian sport for athletes with a disability, by developing equestrian sport for people with disabilities and competition opportunities for riders and drivers with disabilities. “Governor Fletcher made it very clear that he wanted the 2010 Games in Kentucky to be the best ever and to achieve things that have never happened before in this competition,” said Rob Hinkle, Chief Administrative Officer for the World Games 2010 Foundation, the group planning the 2010 FEI Games in Kentucky. “Just as these para-equestrian athletes focus on what they can achieve, Kentucky is also focusing on how to successfully incorporate the para-equestrian events into the 2010 FEI Games in Kentucky.” Kentucky is a recognized leader in the international equine world. The commonwealth is the home of the Kentucky Derby, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, the United States Equestrian Federation and a national training center for U.S. para-equestrian athletes. The United States Driving for the Disabled, Inc. is headquartered in Kentucky. “Our athletes with disabilities have unfortunately not received the attention and respect they deserve,” said Debbie Banfield, President of the United States Driving for the Disabled, Inc. “By holding the para-equestrian events in conjunction with the other FEI Game disciplines it gives those special equestrians the equal opportunity to share the same excitement of the entire FEI competition along with all other equestrian athletes.” Para-equestrians compete world-wide in a variety of equine disciplines, however, at the FEI Games, dressage and driving are the selected disciplines. In 1987, the first dressage World Championship was held in Sweden and in the Paralympic Games in 1996. Para-equestrian driving is a World Championship Sport. In 1991, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) appointed IPEC to run competitions and develop equestrian sport all over the world. In 2005, 38 nations from five continents competed. IPEC has now joined the FEI as para-equestrian ( FEI PE), their 8th discipline. According to the IPEC, para-equestrian is “a unique form of physical activity, as it involves two finely-tuned partners, the rider or driver and the horse. It is available to - and practiced by - equestrians with a wide variety of disabilities. “Among athletes with disabilities there are many different types of impairments. To provide meaningful competition for such athletes, their disability needs to be classified so that people with similar levels of impairment can be grouped into grades in which they compete together. Riders are graded on their impairment and judged on their equestrian ability or skill. Athletes with more severe disabilities ( Grade Ia) ride tests in walk only; the least disabled (Grade IV) ride tests of medium (M) standard. When necessary, riders can use compensating aids approved by FEI PE, such as a special saddle, adapted reins, elastic bands or two whips.” ### Source: World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc. April 12, 2006 Bluegrass Region Celebrates 3rd Annual Take Pride in the Bluegrass, May 13-21 Lexing ton, KY: The region is gearing up for the 3rd annual Take Pride in the Bluegrass celebration after a very successful event in 2005. The Lexing ton Convention and Visitors Bureau is again spearheading a major initiative designed to foster pride among the citizens of central Kentucky by raising awareness about the wonderful tourism opportunities in the Bluegrass Region. Take Pride in the Bluegrass, to be held May 13-21, will highlight all attractions in the Region, with a special focus on the role historic preservation plays in our tourism product. A record fifty-seven attractions are participating with free or discounted admission. Nineteen hotels and five restaurants are also on board with special offers. There is a full schedule of Take Pride in the Bluegrass events including horse farm tours, special dinners, wine events, lectures, a Bourbon Boot Camp, and more! More than 68 special events, some including transportation, will take place throughout the celebration. Take Pride in the Bluegrass is a cooperative effort of the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Historic Preservation Commission and regional industry partners. The entire celebration is focused on reminding Bluegrass residents of the wonderful attractions found right outside their doors. Specially designed “Bluegrass Passports” will be available at participating venues and tourist commissions for local citizens to pick up and take with them to present at area attractions for free admission. All participants will be listed in a Lexington Herald-Leader pull-out section the week prior to Take Pride in the Bluegrass. All the details are available at www.visitlex.com/TakePride.html ### Source: Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau March 28, 2006 Global Television Schedule Announced for Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Farnham Lexington, KY: Officials of the 2006 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Farnam, are pleased to announce an exciting worldwide television schedule that will bring the thrill and excitement of America’s only Four Star Three-Day Event to television sets around the world! This year’s Rolex Kentucky CCI**** returns to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, April 27-30. Anchoring the worldwide television schedule will be a domestic broadcast on NBC that will air as a one-hour special on Sunday, May 7, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. EDT. Extensive television coverage in Europe will include primetime broadcasts on each of EuroSport’s two networks as well as a third broadcast on CNBC Europe. A "live" broadcast featuring the final rounds of show jumping, in addition to highlights of dressage and Cross-Country, will air on EuroSport2 Sunday, April 30 from 8:00-9:00 p.m. Paris time. A follow-up broadcast that will include an extended highlights package for Cross-Country and Dressage will air on the main EuroSport network Wednesday, May 10, in the evening. The broadcast on CNBC Europe will air at a later date. Broadcasts in Asia will include one-hour programs on CNBC Asia and ESPN Star Sports Asia. Supplementing these telecasts is a groundbreaking live webcast of Cross-Country action at this year’s Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Farnam. Eventing fans around the world will have an unprecedented opportunity to watch live action from one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events on the webcast that will be available free of charge on the Event’s official website, www.rk3de.org. Entitled, “Live at The Lake,” the webcast will show the action from the 4-obstacle complex (Fences 20abc and 21) well known to Rolex Kentucky fans as “The Head of the Lake.” “This is clearly the most far-reaching television schedule we have ever had,” said Event Director Jane Atkinson. “Interest in Rolex Kentucky continues to grow, not only in this country but internationally as well. And with the FEI World Equestrian Games coming here in four years, this is a great opportunity to show equestrian sport fans around the world what makes our event, and the Kentucky Horse Park, so unique.” The Kentucky Horse Park was chosen as the site for the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010. This will mark the first time the Games, which feature World Championships in seven equestrian disciplines, are being held outside of Europe. This will undoubtedly make the opportunity to see the Rolex action from the Kentucky Horse Park that much more exciting for the many thousands of fans around the world who are thinking of traveling to Kentucky for the 2010 Games. This year’s event, a United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Selection Trial for the Eventing World Championships at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aächen, Germany, will be run under the “without Steeplechase” (short) format for the first time, consistent with requirements for FEI Championships. As always, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event will host many of the world’s best horses and riders as they compete for one of the most coveted purses in the sport of Eventing and one of the most celebrated championships in equestrian sports. Heading the list of regular competitors at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event are Olympic and World Championship veterans, Pan American Games Medalists, and seasoned veterans of international equestrian competition. The Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event is one of only five annual competitions in the world with the CCI**** classification and the only CCI**** in the United States. There are four levels of competition in Eventing, designated by stars (one star through four stars). As the number of stars increases, the degree of difficulty increases progressively. A Four Star Event presents the most challenging competition existing for horses and riders. The $250,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing is awarded to any rider who wins the Rolex Kentucky, Mitsubishi Motor Badminton and Land Rover Burghley Four Star Events in succession. In 2003, Pippa Funnell of Great Britain became the first rider to win the Rolex Grand Slam. William Fox-Pitt of Great Britain won the Land Rover Burghley CCI**** in England last September, which began the Rolex Grand Slam series anew. He will be seeking the second leg with a victory at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in April. Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event organizer, Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), is a non-profit charitable corporation created in 1975 to stage the 1978 World Three-Day Event Championships, the first time those championships had been held outside of Europe. Following the success of those World Championships, the U.S. Equestrian Federation asked EEI to organize an annual Three-Day Event in the spring and the Kentucky Three-Day Event was born. ### Source: Equestrian Events, Inc. March 28, 2006 The Bourbons of Buffalo Trace Win Big. The San Franscisco World Spirits Competition Names Medal Winners Franklin County, Kentucky: The San Francisco World Spirits Competition announced the 2006 winners this week. The whiskeys of Buffalo Trace Distillery earned numerous medals including the competition’s highest honor of double gold, presented to William Larue Weller, 12 year old, uncut and unfiltered Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The following Buffalo Trace products received medals at this year’s competition: William Larue Weller, 12 year old, uncut & unfiltered—Double Gold Medal Buffalo Trace Small Batch Bourbon—Gold Medal Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon, 10 year— Gold Medal George T. Stagg, 15 year old, uncut & unfiltered—Gold Medal Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve Bourbon, 20 year— Gold Medal Sazerac Rye Whiskey, 18 year—Silver Medal Sazerac Rye Whiskey, 6 year—Silver Medal “I’m thrilled with our strong showing at this prestigious competition, said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace. “These medals really honor the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle of bourbon we produce at Buffalo Trace. Buffalo Trace has garnered more awards since 1990 than any other North American distillery—over 150 awards for more than 15 different brands. In 2005 Whisky Magazine named Buffalo Trace Distillery “Distiller of the Year.” The distillery was also named “2005 Distillery of the Year” by Malt Advocate Magazine. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotrace.com and for a complete list of SFWSC winners go to www.sfspiritscomp.com. ### Source: Buffalo Trace Distillery March 27, 2006 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Farnam, Named One of ABA Top 100 Events in North America Lexington, KY: The 2006 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Farnam, has been designated one of the American Bus Association’s (ABA) Top 100 events in North America. The event was recognized by an elite tourism industry selection committee for offering outstanding entertainment value to groups as well as to individual travelers from around the world. Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations Magazine, indicates that the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Farnam,offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, according to the ABA . “The attractiveness of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event,presented by Farnam,as a don’t-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction,” said Peter J. Pantuso, ABA president and CEO. “The real news here is that the Rolex Kentucky Three-DayEvent, presented by Farnam,has been recognized as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy. The honor gives the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event,presented by Farnam,an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners.” ABA ’s 2006 Top 100 Events Selection Committee selected Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event,presented by Farnam,from among hundreds of U.S. and Canadian events nominated by state and provincial tourism offices and visitors bureaus. Judges considered each event’s broad appeal, its accessibility to motorcoaches and skill at handling large groups, and a variety of other relevant criteria. The Event’s Cross-Country Day, regarded by many as one of the most exciting days in sports, will feature a live webcast of the action from the most famed spot on the Kentucky Horse Park course, the legendary “Head of the Lake” water complex. Entitled, “Live at The Lake,” the webcast will run all day long and be available free of charge on the Event’s official website, www.rk3de.org. Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), producer of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, received special permission from NBC, where a 1-hour special will be aired on Sunday, May 7 at 5:00 p.m. EDT, to show the action from the 4-obstacle complex (Fences 20abc and 21) live on its website. For more information on the 2006 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Farnam, please visit the Rolex Kentucky website at www.rk3de.org. ### Source: Equestrian Events, Inc.
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