Inaugural Puissance competition slated for Thursday evening highlights show jumpers and a bid for Irishwoman Susan Oakes to break world side-saddle record
New York, NY – August 31, 2016 – The third Annual Rolex Central Park Horse Show announces an exciting line-up for show jumping fans at its event in New York City on September 21-25, 2016. U.S. Show Jumping Team Silver medalists from the Rio Olympic Games, McLain Ward and Kent Farrington, come to New York to battle for the prestigious title of U.S. Open Champion on Thursday, September 22, and Friday, September 23, 2016. They will be joined by some of the top riders in the world, including hometown hero and former Central Park Grand Prix winner Georgina Bloomberg (USA), and veteran superstar Todd Minikus (USA).
Wollman Rink in New York City’s iconic Central Park will host
the Rolex Central Park Horse Show for its third year. Photo by Meg Banks
A new addition to the program this year is the $50,000 Puissance on Thursday night, where leading Belgian rider and winner of the Washington International Horse Show Puissance, Jos Verlooy, will try to break the outdoor record height of 7 feet 3 inches over the big wall. He will be joined by some of the best high jumpers in the country all pushing to clear that great height.
To add extra excitement to Thursday night, Irish Rider Susan Oakes and her Dublin Puissance winner Cicero will attempt the world record for side-saddle high-jump.
A new addition to the program this year is the $50,000 Puissance high-jump competition on Thursday night. Photo by Sportfot
Ireland’s Susan Oakes will attempt the world record for side-saddle high-jump in this year’s Rolex Central Park Horse Show Puissance.
Since its inception in 2014, the Rolex Central Park Horse Show has grown significantly to embrace a global reach and attract some of the best competitors in equestrian sport. The event, highlighted by the impressive backdrop of the New York City skyline, showcases numerous equestrian disciplines with exciting competition for the enjoyment of spectators and participants alike.
Colombia’s Daniel Bluman and Conconcreto Believe were the winners of the $212,000 U.S. Open Rolex Grand Prix CSI3* in 2015.
Photo by Kit Houghton
For international show jumping fans, Thursday, September 22, highlights the U.S. Open $40,000 FEI Speed Class at 8:00 p.m., followed by the thrilling $50,000 Puissance high-jump competition at 9:00 p.m. Friday, September 23, features the U.S. Open $216,000 Grand Prix CSI 3*, presented by Rolex.
Tickets are selling fast! To get yours, go to http://bit.ly/29LwkkD.
The official hotel is the JW Marriot Essex House and special rates are available for a limited time at http://bit.ly/1qV3FBt. In the “Please Select Guest Type” box, select “Attendee” when making a reservation.
The complete schedule of the 2016 Rolex Central Park Horse Show is as follows:
Wednesday, September 21st:
U.S. Open Arabian Horse Show
Gate opens at 6:00pm. Show begins at 6:30pm. $50 per ticket
Thursday, September 22nd:
U.S. Open $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix 6:30pm, followed by the exciting
U.S. Open $40,000 FEI Speed Class at 8:00pm, concluding with
Puissance at 9:00pm.
Ticket includes all 3 events
Gate opens at 6:00pm. Show begins at 6:30pm. $125 per ticket
Friday, September 23rd:
U.S. Open CDI Dressage Grand Prix
Gate opens at 1:00pm. Show begins at 1:30pm. $50 per ticket
Friday, September 23rd:
Junior/Amateur 1.20m Class at 6:30pm, followed by the thrilling
U.S. Open $216,000 Grand Prix CSI 3*, presented by Rolex
Ticket includes both events
Gate opens at 6:00pm. Show begins at 6:30pm. $125 per ticket
Saturday, September 24th:
U.S. Open $50,000 Hunters Duchossois Cup
$1,000 Small/Medium Pony Hunter Class and the
$2,500 Junior/Amateur and Professional Classes
Gate opens at 1:00pm. Show begins at 1:30pm. $50 per ticket
Saturday, September 24th:
U.S. Open $75,000 CDI Dressage Freestyle.
Gate opens at 6:00pm. Show begins at 6:30pm. $125 per ticket
Sunday, September 25th:
Family Day. Free General Admission.
Pony rides, face painting, Arabian Horse presentation, equestrian
demonstrations, and More!
Gate opens 12:00pm-3:00pm.
A portion of ticket sales will benefit a lengthy list of New York, as well as equestrian based, charities.
Seating is limited and the demand for tickets is expected to be high.
All seats have unobstructed views.
All ticket sales are final, non-transferable; no refunds and no exchanges.
Gates open 30 minutes prior to start of event.
All prices listed above exclude tax and fees.
For Reserved Seating questions, please contact 1-844-319-CPHS (2747) or emailcphs.tickets@img.com.
For VIP Table Sales, please contact vip@centralparkhorseshow.com.
For questions on rider participation, please contact acaroline@centralparkhorseshow.com.
About Rolex Central Park Horse Show
Launched in September 2014, Rolex Central Park Horse Show is the first-ever outdoor, multi-day equestrian sporting event in New York City, showcasing some of the best show jumpers and dressage riders in the world as they vie for top prizes against a backdrop of skyscrapers in one of the world’s most iconic venues. As the event founder, Mark Bellissimo is the CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions and International Equestrian Group LLC; Managing Partner of Wellington Equestrian Partners (WEF), Tryon Equestrian Partners and Colorado Equestrian Partners; and Publisher of The Chronicle of The Horse magazine. The Rolex Central Park Horse Show will feature five days of multi-discipline equestrian sport and performances, ranging from Arabians and Dressage to Hunters and Show Jumping. The Rolex Central Park Horse Show will also host the second annual U.S. Open in the following categories: Jumpers; Dressage; Hunters; U25 Jumpers; and Arabians. For more information, visit www.centralparkhorseshow.com or Facebook at www.facebook.com/CPhorseshow and follow @cphorseshow on Twitter and Instagram.
Photos may be used only in relation to this press release.