The World’s Championship Horse Show’s largest prize continues to increase, reaching a staggering $150,000 purse for the Five-Gaited World’s Grand Championship.

 The Kentucky State Fair Board voted to add additional dollars making it the largest prize in the Saddlebred industry. In the horse showing world only the Grand Prix, the global championship for jumper hunter riders, matches the dollar amount. No other equine show competition tops the prize.

Four organizations and families contribute to the grand prize.

● 5R Farms – Helen Rich

● Barbara Blacklaw Memorial Fund

● The Goodman and Manilow Families

● Kentucky State Fair Board

Aside from the Kentucky State Fair Board, the contributors are all award-winning competitors who are well known in the Saddlebred industry. Showing horses since childhood, Barbara Manilow earned numerous World Champion titles during her storied equine career. Both Helen Rich and her daughter Ali, are accomplished riders and World Champion winners.

In 2019, a $1 million endowment was the gift from William Blacklaw in memory of his wife. The growth of this account is 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 Kentucky State Fair Board produces the annual World’s Championship Horse Show alongside the Kentucky State Fair.

“Since the founding of the World’s Championship Horse Show show more than 119 years ago, the prestige of the show has continued to grow. Elite horses, trainers, riders, owners, exhibitors and breeders travel from around the world to Louisville, Ky. to compete against the best. Thanks to generous donations from people like the Goodman and Manilow Families, 5R Farms and Mr. Blacklaw, this event will continue to be the pride and prestige of the saddlebred community ” said David S. Beck, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues.

The World’s Championship Horse Show returns to Freedom Hall Aug. 20-27. Entries are now open and tickets are available via Ticketmaster. The event is held in conjunction with the Kentucky State Fair. For more information about the World’s Championship Horse Show, visit wchorseshow.com.