By TIM THORNBERRY
Kentucky Correspondent

LEXINGTON, Ky. — As the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) wound down last week it was hard to imagine that the five years wait passed in the blink of an eye as did the games.
For months before the event, the games were the number one topic in local sporting news, or any news for that matter and in a state where basketball reigns supreme, that was quite an accomplishment as basketball season is about to begin.

There were even countdown clocks placed in downtown Lexington waiting to ring in the games.

The horse industry is big business in Kentucky even though it has faltered a bit in the past couple of years. The games could be the shot in the arm it has needed.

When first announced, a crowd of approximately 600,000 was expected. That number didn’t quite materialize but at last count, attendance was in that ball park. By the end of the games more than 500,000 had made their way to the games; another huge accomplishment considering the shape of the economy over the last two years.

“We are incredibly pleased with the number of spectators who have joined us at the games over these 16 days,” said World Games 2010 Foundation CEO Jamie Link. “We are overwhelmed with the positive comments and remarks we have received about their experiences on the park, viewing competition, and with our volunteers. By their measure, these games have been a great success.”

Average daily attendance totaled from 25,000 to 35,000 with many days seeing record attendance as the weather was mostly good for the duration of the games.

A portion of those attending were the thousands of school students that came complements of Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech president and founder. These games marked the first time the event had a title sponsor. Alltech is a world leader in the field of animal nutrition and is headquartered in Nicholasville, Ky.

Lyons said in a press conference wrapping up the games, the event changed the way people would look at the state.

“I knew it was an opportunity to be a sponsor at one of the world’s most spectacular events. We stepped up to $10 million (in sponsorship) and we knew it might cost as much as $32 million (to activate our sponsorship). It took me 10 minutes to agree to be the title sponsor,” he said. “If I were to do it again knowing what I do now, it would take me 10 seconds. The games’ legacy will be the talk about the 16 most colorful days in Lexington history. It’s changed the way people look at Kentucky. As far as business, it has been a resounding success. We want to continue our involvement with the sport.”

The Kentucky Horse Park proved to be the perfect location for the games as it has become the most unique venue for everything connected to the equine industry in the country. With plenty of parking and a multi-million investment to build such pavilions as a 7,500 seat outdoor stadium, a driving stadium and the Alltech Arena, a 6,000 seat indoor facility, spectators couldn’t have been treated to a more beautiful place for the games.

John Long, CEO U.S. Equestrian Federation and board chairman of the World Games 2010 Foundation said because of the investment, future events will be coming to the park.

“There has been $100 million invested into the Horse Park. The Alltech Arena has 35 new competitions and horse shows that were at other venues and now will relocate here,” he said. “We have new infrastructure such as asphalt and fencing, most that had been here for decades.”

The investment into downtown (Lexington) has been fantastic. Dr. Paul Coomes, of the University of Louisville estimated the economic impact coming into Kentucky at $167 million as a result of the games.”

But the pride factor may be worth more than the money. The grounds of the park were full of displays to showcase the state and all of its treasures to the world.

“The face that Kentucky has shown over the 16 days has been beyond my expectations,” added Long. “I have a great sense of pride for what we have done here.”

Link echoed those sentiments in the final press conference of the games saying, “I can look back with a great sense of pride at what we’ve done here. It’s been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”