LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The World’s Championship Horse Show’s largest prize continues to grow in prestige and value. With support from the Goodman and Manilow families and the Barbara Blacklaw Memorial Fund, the prize money has increased to $155,000 and the class placings have expanded from eight to 10 for the Five-Gaited World’s Grand Champion.
The World’s Championship Horse Show returns to Freedom Hall Aug. 22-29. The event is held in conjunction with the Kentucky State Fair. Due to COVID-19, the 2020 show is closed to the public.
In 2019, a $1 million endowment was the gift from William Blacklaw in memory of his wife and is invested in an interest-bearing account. Accrued interest on the endowment will be disbursed annually to provide additional prize money to ribbon winners in the Five-Gaited World’s Grand Championship competition held on the final night of the World’s Championship Horse Show.
“The World’s Championship Horse Show is one of the oldest and most storied parts of the Kentucky State Fair, continuing through world wars and societal changes. This event has continued to showcase the top horses and riders in the world thanks to generous donations from people like The Goodman and Manilow Families and Mr. Blacklaw. We’re appreciative of all they have done for the Saddlebred industry,” said David S. Beck, president and CEO of Kentucky Venues.
For more information about the World’s Championship Horse Show, visit wchorseshow.com.
The Oak Ridge Boys to perform national anthem at World’s Championship Horse Show
The Kentucky State Fair announced that legendary country music quartet The Oak Ridge Boys will perform the national anthem on Saturday, Aug. 29, at The World’s Championship Horse Show. The performance will mark the group’s 45th consecutive appearance at the Kentucky State Fair, a record unmatched by any other touring act.
The Oak Ridge Boys were originally scheduled to perform on the Texas Roadhouse Concert Series stage. However, the modification of the 2020 Kentucky State Fair as a participant only show necessitated the cancellation of the full performance. However, The Oak Ridge Boys were determined to find a way to keep their record of consecutive performances going.
Extraordinary cooperation between The Kentucky State Fair, The World’s Championship Horse Show, and The Oak Ridge Boys are keeping this remarkable record intact. Continued support from Texas Roadhouse includes catering for the band provided by the Louisville-based company.
Duane Allen, lead singer of The Oak Ridge Boys said, “The Kentucky State Fair is always circled on our calendar. It’s an honor to perform the national anthem at The World’s Championship Horse Show this year. We can’t wait for this very special opportunity.”
Attendance at The World’s Championship Horse Show will be limited to participants only. Pay-Per-View live coverage event is available here.
The 2020 Kentucky State Fair is Aug. 20-30 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. For more information, visit www.kystatefair.org or find the Fair on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or its blog.
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