LEXINGTON, Ky. — The pandemic is forcing a popular Kentucky horseracing event to cancel for the second year in a row. The Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event (LRK3DE), previously scheduled for April 22-25, won't run this year.

What You Need To Know

  • Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event canceled for 2021

  • Equestrian Events, Inc. is exploring other events to be held that weekend but without spectators

  • Other events being considered include a new CCI-4*-S, likely featuring many of the same horses and riders that would have been competing in the Five Star

  • Spectators, patrons, vendors, and sponsors who paid for the 2020 event and chose to roll their money over for 2021 can either select a full refund or roll their money over again for 2022

According to a release, Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) is exploring other events to be held that weekend but without spectators, such as the Kentucky CSI3* Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.

“We have been working with US Equestrian, the Kentucky Horse Park, and state and local government on several different scenarios for April,” said EEI President Mike Cooper. “With so many uncertainties still remaining regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, it is premature for US Equestrian to remove its restrictions on spectators. Given the importance of the health and well-being of our spectators and competitors, we feel the only option at this time is to cancel the Five Star Event and hopefully proceed with other events that our fans can enjoy via livestream and other outlets.”

Other events being considered include a new CCI-4*-S, likely featuring many of the same horses and riders that would have been competing in the Five Star.

“While disappointing that all our fans can’t join us again this April,” added EEI Executive Director Lee Carter, “we are excited that some of those same fans can now compete in levels we’ll be offering during 'The Best Weekend All Year!' April 22-25…Save the date! Plans are being developed and will be communicated as approved.”

Spectators, patrons, vendors, and sponsors who paid for the 2020 event and chose to roll their money over for 2021 can either select a full refund or roll their money over again for 2022. Ticket holders will receive an email about their options, and sponsors may choose to be part of whatever events are held in 2021 with new agreements that fit this year's situation.

“We want to thank everyone who has been so patient throughout this difficult process,” Carter added. “We remain committed to all our supporters across the country and around the world and we look forward to putting on a great event this spring and welcoming everyone back for our full-scale Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event Five Star, with the Kentucky CSI3* Invitational Grand Prix, in 2022!”

LRK3DE is one of only seven annual Five Star three-day events in the world, alongside Badminton and Burghley in England; Luhmuhlen in Germany; Pau in France; Adelaide in Australia, and the new Five Star event in Maryland.