Irish clock in for Rolex in Kentucky

IRISH riders Aidan Keogh (Master Tredstep) and Tom Bourke (Luckaun Quality) are among a stellar line-up for the first four-star event of the season at the Rolex Kentucky later this month (April 27-30).

The two-time defending Rolex champion Michael Jung of Germany heads the list of top riders, which also includes Zara Tindall riding another Irish-bred horse, High Kingdom.

“This year’s field of competitors includes some of the biggest names in the sport. These are equestrian stars you won’t see at any other competition on American soil,” said organiser Lee Carter.

At stake is $400,000 in prize money, a $50,000 increase from last year, as well as a shot at the $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing, which is awarded to any rider who wins the Rolex Kentucky, Mitsubishi Motors Badminton and Land Rover Burghley four-star events in succession.

Last year, Jung became only the second rider (along with Pippa Funnell of Great Britain in 2003) ever to win the Grand Slam.

Jung has recently withdrawn FischerTakinou through injury but still has a formidable mount in his 2016 winner FischerRocana.