William Fox-Pitt (GBR) will head into the third leg of the HSBC FEI Classics™ at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA) on 26-29 April sporting the armband reserved for the leader of the HSBC Rankings.

Fox-Pitt, who last wore the armband at the second last leg of the HSBC FEI Classics™ 2011 at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, now leads the HSBC Rankings 59 points clear of Andrew Nicholson (NZL) and 146 points ahead of Piggy French (GBR).

The HSBC Rankings are run on a rolling 12-month basis and this month’s rankings are based on results obtained between 1 May 2011 and 2 April 2012.

Mary King (GBR), who won the 50,000 USD award for the leading rider in the HSBC Rankings at the end of last season, has dropped to 10th in the rankings as she loses the huge points haul secured at last year’s Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event where she finished first and second.

“The HSBC Rankings are hard-fought and I am really pleased that I will be wearing the HSBC armband in Kentucky,” said William Fox-Pitt.

The HSBC armband will remain with William for as long as he stays at the top of the HSBC Rankings.

View the HSBC Rankings and read about HSBC’s involvement with the FEI and equestrian sports here.