WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2020 – The $214,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix CSI4* presented by MARS Equestrian™ will be held at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) during the 2020 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, at 2 p.m. ET.
One of the most historic and popular grand prix events in North America, this year’s WIHS President’s Cup Grand Prix offers record setting prize money and welcomes show jumping legends along with rising talent to its roster thanks to cooperation between WIHS, MARS Equestrian™, and TIEC.
“The organizations involved in making the President’s Cup Grand Prix a reality this year worked tirelessly to seek out a venue that would not only offer the prestigious level of competition that WIHS is known for, but also to guarantee a safe competition environment,” said Victoria Lowell, President of WIHS.
“We anticipate the same quality of competition that has become synonymous with WIHS in the past. WIHS is a cherished event on the North American show jumping scene, and the President’s Cup Grand Prix is its pinnacle. We look forward to seeing a 2020 name added to the President’s Cup Trophy this year!”
Thanks to unwavering support from WIHS title sponsor MARS Equestrian™, the President’s Cup Grand Prix is poised to offer electric competition while keeping the storied event thriving in a difficult year.
Click to play video on WIHS YouTube channel > https://youtu.be/SQKrzK57sKc.
“MARS Equestrian™ is delighted to be a part of the Washington International Horse Show again this year, and even more excited to extend our presenting sponsorship to the President’s Cup,” said William Clements, Vice President of MARS Sponsorships. “We are proud to support this historic event and wish all of the competitors the best of luck as they wrap up a challenging 2020 show season.”
With the largest purse ever offered in the WIHS grand prix, 50 riders keen for a space on the legendary WIHS President’s Cup Trophy will compete in the 2020 class. Now recognized as a 4* by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the President’s Cup Grand Prix Trophy was commissioned by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy from Tiffany & Co., in 1961. It is the only trophy known to bear the Presidential Seal. Kennedy personally presented the trophy to Carlos Damm, Jr., the President’s Cup Grand Prix winner that year, while she served as the show’s Honorary Chairman.
Other historic winners of the President’s Cup Grand Prix during its 60 years include WIHS Hall of Fame members Frank Chapot, Joe Fargis, Kathy Kusner, Robert Ridland, and three-time winner Rodney Jenkins. U.S. Olympians Norman Dello Joio and Peter Leone have also added their names to the trophy twice. Last year the event was won for the first time by Laura Kraut (USA) and Fleurette, owned by St. Bride’s Farm.
The official WIHS 2020 poster of Laura Kraut (USA) and Fleurette, owned by St. Bride’s Farm, was painted by Sharon Lynn Campbell, WIHS Official artist.
The rider list for the 2020 edition of the President’s Cup Grand Prix has set the stage for an event to remember. Four-time U.S. Olympian McLain Ward will be chasing a fifth President’s Cup victory, while Kent Farrington (USA) will hope for a President’s Cup hat trick, and Beezie Madden (USA) will aim at her fourth victory.
New talent, including the likes of Adrienne Sternlicht (USA) and Brian Moggre (USA), will be hungry for their first-ever President’s Cup honor, while international riders who have spent their current year based in the U.S. are also in the hunt. Olympic team gold medalist for Great Britain, Ben Maher, will highlight the list of international riders, and will be joined by the likes of Daniel Bluman (ISR), Shane Sweetnam (IRL), and Rowan Willis (AUS) to name a few.
While WIHS will carry on without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic, live streaming coverage will be provided by USEF Network bringing the $214,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix CSI4* presented by MARS Equestrian™ to fans all over the world. Tune in on Saturday, October 24, 2020, at 2 p.m. ET by clicking HERE. The stream is free to USEF members and free fan memberships are available using WIHS20 promo code. The stream will also be available on the Tryon website.
For more information on WIHS 2020 and the $214,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix CSI4* presented by MARS Equestrian™, please visit www.wihs.org. Also, join us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat. Tag us using #WIHS2020.
About Washington International Horse Show
Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is one of North America’s most prestigious and entertaining equestrian events. WIHS is an official USEF Heritage Competition and 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. For more information, visit wihs.org..
About MARS Equestrian™
MARS Equestrian™ Sponsorship by Mars, Incorporated is the link between our iconic brands and the equestrian community. For generations, Mars has celebrated a rich equestrian heritage, and through purposeful partnerships, MARS Equestrian™ is committed to the sport and building an enduring legacy. From world-class competitions across all equestrian disciplines, to stewarding the power of horses on society and sustainability, MARS Equestrian™ is dedicated to our purpose to improve the lives of horses, pets, and the people who love them. For more information please visit our website at www.marsequestrian.com and social media @marsequestrian.
