Governor Ernie Fletcher announces the selection of the Kentucky Horse Park as the official location of the 2010 FEI Games.

Kentucky to Host World-Class Sporting Events

The international spotlight will shine upon Kentucky as we play host to two of the world's most esteemed sporting events over the next few years. For more than 130 years, Kentucky has been recognized from around the world for the coveted running of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville. Now, we have even more to boast.

In September 2008, Louisville's prestigious Valhalla Golf Club will be the home of The PGA of America's Ryder Cup. One of the last great sporting events founded on prestige rather than prize money, The Ryder Cup began in 1927 at the request of its namesake, Samuel Ryder. Since that time, the best golf professionals from the United States have competed against the best of Europe every other year, not for money, but for pride, honor and the love of country. Kentucky has teamed up with The PGA of America to create a win-win partnership, formed to make 2008 the most successful Ryder Cup in history. With an expected attendance of 210,000 spectators, worldwide media attention, and an anticipated economic impact exceeding $100 million to the state, Kentucky is poised to deliver a monumental event.

But the fun doesn't stop there. In late 2005, Governor Ernie Fletcher announced that the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington will host the 2010 FEI Games - The World Equestrian Championships. The announcement marks the first time in the history of the event that it will be held outside of Europe. It will also be the first time all seven championships are staged at a single venue.

The FEI Games include world championships of seven equestrian sports - show jumping, dressage, eventing, driving, reining, vaulting, and endurance riding. The event takes place every four years, two years prior to the Summer Olympics.The 14-day series of competitions will draw more than 800 equestrians and 1,000 horses from 50 countries. It will also attract more than 1,000 international journalists and will be televised in 180 countries.

The FEI Games, set to take place in September and October of 2010, would have a potential economic impact of nearly $100 million - the financial equivalent of hosting two NCAA men's basketball Final Four championships.

"The stars have aligned for Kentucky as we prepare to show the world what Kentucky is all about," said Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Gene Strong. "These two spectacular events will thrust Kentucky to a new level within the international community."