<p dir="ltr">Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH are making the most of their rainy little getaway to Kentucky &mdash; and shattering records while they&rsquo;re at it.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The German Olympic champion and his longtime partner are known for their jaw-droppingly low dressage scores, but this weekend took it to a whole new level. <strong>Their 18.6 leads the field</strong> at the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event <strong>by staggering 7.4 penalties</strong>. That&rsquo;s <strong>the biggest dressage lead ever recorded at any CCI5* in modern history</strong>. And tomorrow, they head into cross-country sitting on the lowest Kentucky 5* dressage score ever.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Not one, but two records shattered before the competition even reaches its marquee phase.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">"I really trust my horse. I believe in him," Jung said after his test. It was his first eventing outing since Paris, but his partnership with Chip looked anything but rusty.</p>
<p dir="ltr">It&rsquo;s a performance worth understanding&mdash;not just for the spectacle, but for what it tells us about how leads like this shift pressure, change strategy, and signal potential greatness.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">How Big Is 7.4 Penalties, Really?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">In a sport where margins are usually razor-thin, 7.4 penalties is a canyon. The previous record was 6.5, set by Heath Ryan at Adelaide in 2010. Michael&rsquo;s lead going into Saturday is nearly a full penalty ahead of that.</p>
<p dir="ltr">April showers soaked the bluegrass on Friday. While the track is expected to handle the rain, there&rsquo;s still a chance it could get slick. That shouldn&rsquo;t be a problem for Michael and Chip. They can cruise around Derek di Grazia&rsquo;s technical track at a leisurely pace (not that they will). Chip is one of the fastest horses in the field &mdash; but <strong>Thursday&rsquo;s dressage result gives them a whopping 18-second cushion</strong>.&nbsp;</p>
<blockquote>
<p dir="ltr"><em>Michael might as well stop for a Mint Julep mid-course.&nbsp;</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p><iframe id="datawrapper-chart-unDfZ" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Best Dressage Leading Margins at 5*" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/unDfZ/1/" height="859" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Table" data-external="1"></iframe></p>
<h2 dir="ltr">A Big Lead Doesn&rsquo;t Just Protect &mdash; It Provokes</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Chasing a leader like this forces a shift in mindset. Do you gamble to catch up or defend what you&rsquo;ve got?&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">In the Tour de France, riders often move in a pack &mdash; drafting off each other, conserving energy. But occasionally, one rider breaks away. When that happens early, it forces the rest of the field into unfamiliar territory. Push to close the gap and risk blowing up, or hang back and hope they fade.</p>
<p dir="ltr">That&rsquo;s the kind of pressure Michael Jung just created. His dressage score isn&rsquo;t just strong &mdash; it&rsquo;s disruptive. <strong>Now the others have to make a choice: ride faster than planned and risk mistakes, or play it safe and settle for second.</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">Boyd Martin and Tom McEwen, sitting second and third, are no strangers to pressure. But even they haven&rsquo;t faced this kind of gap before. Will they stick to their plan, or will their competitive instincts take over? With a tough, technical, and now possibly slippery track, even bold riders might have to ride more conservatively.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Still, they&rsquo;re ready for the challenge.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;I think it&rsquo;s a good course. Big. Challenging. A real test of endurance,&rdquo; Boyd said after Friday&rsquo;s dressage tests.</p>
<blockquote>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;It&rsquo;s not going to be a dressage show.&rdquo;</p>
</blockquote>
<h2 dir="ltr">The Era of Early Domination</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Since 2008, 51% of CCI5* winners have been in the top three after dressage. That alone is a good sign for Michael&rsquo;s chances. He&rsquo;s also a five-time winner at this venue. The odds look good, right?</p>
<p dir="ltr">Well&hellip; not necessarily.</p>
<p dir="ltr">At Kentucky specifically, <strong>just five of the last 17 winners have led after the dressage phase</strong>. If you&rsquo;ve ever walked a Derek di Grazia cross-country course, you understand why. Big, bold, technical questions. Rolling terrain. It tests fitness and focus to the very end.</p>
<p dir="ltr">But here&rsquo;s the caveat: <strong>Michael Jung isn&rsquo;t like the rest.</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">In three of his five Kentucky victories&mdash;WEG 2010, 2016, and 2022&mdash;he led from the first phase to the last fence.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Michael and Chip have turned Kentucky into a masterclass so far &mdash; but the real questions get answered on cross-country day. If history is any guide, they&rsquo;re not just here for the fun of it. They&rsquo;re here to finish what they started.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1140" data-end="1307">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p class="" data-start="1140" data-end="1307">&nbsp;</p>
<h3 class="" data-start="150" data-end="200">📣&nbsp;Stay in the Loop on All Things Eventing</h3>
<p class="" data-start="201" data-end="285">Get the latest predictions, key stats, and storylines delivered where you want them.</p>
<p class="" data-start="287" data-end="580">👉&nbsp;<strong data-start="290" data-end="316">Follow us on Instagram</strong>: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/equiratings_eventing">@equiratings_eventing</a><br data-start="387" data-end="390">📲&nbsp;<strong data-start="393" data-end="422">Join our WhatsApp Channel</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaGnPJYFHWq9b1iSB647" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real-time insights, straight from the team</a> to your phone &mdash; no noise, just eventing.&nbsp;</p>

Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH on cross country

What Happens When You Give Michael Jung an 18-Second Head Start?

Eventing

Defender Kentucky

MARS Badminton Horse Trials

Jumping

FEI World Cup Final 

US Equestrian Open Jumping Final

Latest Shows

Previews & Insights

Latest Articles

Follow our coverage

US Equestrian Open

Win Chances

Latest Insights

Main

<p class="" data-start="320" data-end="690">After the first phase of the <strong>Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S</strong>, <strong>Will Coleman</strong> and <strong>Off The Record</strong> have not only delivered the horse's <em>best dressage test of his entire international career,</em> but he&rsquo;s sitting at the top of the leader board heading into what promises to be a thrilling cross-country day. The pair&rsquo;s <strong>21.8</strong> isn&rsquo;t just personal-best territory&mdash;it&rsquo;s a&nbsp;<em data-start="649" data-end="688"><em data-start="650" data-end="669">new Kentucky CCI4</em>-S dressage record</em>.</p>
<p class="" data-start="692" data-end="738">And they&rsquo;ve earned every bit of that top spot.</p>
<p class="" data-start="692" data-end="738">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 class="" data-start="1188" data-end="1206">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="1188" data-end="1206">Off The Record's Moment</h3>
<p class="" data-start="1208" data-end="1462">For <strong>Off The Record,</strong> this moment feels earned. Bred in<strong> </strong>Cavan, Ireland by <strong data-start="177" data-end="192">Peter Brady</strong> and produced by <strong data-start="209" data-end="225">Will Coleman</strong>, he&rsquo;s become one of the most consistent and classy campaigners on the international stage. A former Aachen champion, and now&mdash;on his 39th international start&mdash;he&rsquo;s topped his previous best of <strong>21.9 </strong>from Great Meadow and leads one of the deepest 4*-S fields on American soil.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1464" data-end="1634">He&rsquo;s done this in big arenas before, but delivering a record-setting test at Kentucky, in front of home fans, with pressure and expectation all around? That&rsquo;s next-level.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1464" data-end="1634">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="" data-start="1464" data-end="1634"><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/1cff930f-7ba3-47b2-9a70-a62d4aacf4ab.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Kentucky 2025 Graphics. (6)"></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3>Coleman's Top Scores</h3>
<p>Will Coleman&rsquo;s 21.8 with Off The Record at Kentucky 2025 now ranks among his all-time best dressage scores across all international levels. It&rsquo;s his top mark on&nbsp;Off The Record and one of the best CCI4*-S scores of his career&mdash;joining elite company alongside multiple winning tests with<strong> Chin Tonic HS.</strong> Kentucky just became another standout chapter in an already world-class resume.</p>
<p><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/33f13429-fcb3-4d0a-83bf-95d3538fa5d2.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Kentucky 2025 Graphics. (7)"></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 class="" data-start="978" data-end="1010">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="978" data-end="1010">The Standings After Dressage</h3>
<p class="" data-start="1012" data-end="1138">🥇<strong> </strong>Will Coleman &amp; Off The Record &ndash; 21.8<br data-start="1055" data-end="1058">🥈 Phillip Dutton &amp; Possante &ndash; 23.1<br data-start="1097" data-end="1100">🥉 Phillip Dutton &amp; Denim &ndash; 25.6</p>
<p class="" data-start="1140" data-end="1307">Coleman leads, but <strong>Phillip Dutton</strong> is right there with two rides in the top three, and a long record of capitalizing on Saturday pressure. The game is very much on.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1140" data-end="1307">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p class="" data-start="1140" data-end="1307">&nbsp;</p>
<h3 class="" data-start="150" data-end="200">📣&nbsp;Stay in the Loop on All Things Eventing</h3>
<p class="" data-start="201" data-end="285">Get the latest predictions, key stats, and storylines delivered where you want them.</p>
<p class="" data-start="287" data-end="580">👉&nbsp;<strong data-start="290" data-end="316">Follow us on Instagram</strong>: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/equiratings_eventing">@equiratings_eventing</a><br data-start="387" data-end="390">📲&nbsp;<strong data-start="393" data-end="422">Join our WhatsApp Channel</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaGnPJYFHWq9b1iSB647" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real-time insights, straight from the team</a> to your phone &mdash; no noise, just eventing.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="" data-start="1140" data-end="1307">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="" data-start="1140" data-end="1307">&nbsp;</p>

Off The Record Goes Into The Record Books

<p class="" data-start="191" data-end="272">When it comes to eventing, starting low doesn&rsquo;t always mean you&rsquo;ll finish first.</p>
<p class="" data-start="274" data-end="488">We crunched the numbers on the top 10 dressage scores ever recorded at CCI5* level since 2008. These are the jaw-dropping first-phase performances that made fans gasp and us, at EquiRatings swoon. But here's the kicker&hellip;</p>
<p class="" data-start="490" data-end="555">Of the top 10 dressage scores recorded at CCI5* level since 2008, only one has gone on to win the competition. Even a remarkable <strong>17.5</strong> from<strong> Laura Collett</strong> and <strong>London 52</strong> at <strong>Paris 2024</strong> wasn&rsquo;t enough to secure victory. Out of the top ten dressage test only <strong>Michael Jung</strong> and <strong>fischerChipmunk FRH</strong> have converted their low score into a gold medal.</p>
<p class="" data-start="490" data-end="555"><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/a9456420-62e0-4e88-bfc0-d84e026ad9a6.png?width=582&amp;height=576" alt="Screenshot 2025 04 25 174852"></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="820" data-end="823">
<h3 class="" data-start="98" data-end="126">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="98" data-end="126">Where Does The Win Slip Away?</h3>
<p class="" data-start="128" data-end="550">The answer lies in the numbers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Of the top 10 lowest CCI5* dressage scores since 2008, more than half were hit by jumping penalties or time faults that cost them the win.</p>
<p class="" data-start="552" data-end="1110">Tim Price and Vitali are a prime example. At Burghley 2023, they opened with an 18.7 in dressage&mdash;one of the best scores ever recorded&mdash;but added 8.0 time penalties on cross-country and 12 penalties in show jumping. They dropped to fourth.</p>
<p class="" data-start="552" data-end="1110">Ros Canter and Izilot DHI scored a 19.0 at Pau 2024, but 21.6 total penalties from jumping phases saw them finish second.</p>
<p class="" data-start="552" data-end="1110">While Laura Collett and London 52, who started Pratoni 2022 with a 19.3, suffered one of the most dramatic falls&mdash;from 2nd to 40th&mdash;after incurring 20 jumping penalties and nearly 23 time faults.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1112" data-end="1248">Dressage brilliance is only one piece of the puzzle. The unpredictability of the jumping phases makes the sport so compelling but also so cruel.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1112" data-end="1248">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="260" data-end="521">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="260" data-end="521">Starting Strong, Surviving Stronger at Kentucky</h3>
<p class="" data-start="260" data-end="521">At&nbsp;<strong data-start="263" data-end="282">Kentucky CCI5*</strong>, winning from the front is rare&mdash;but not impossible. Since 2008, only&nbsp;<strong data-start="352" data-end="374">five of 17 winners</strong> have led after the dressage phase. The rest climbed their way to the top through steady, smart performances across cross-country and show jumping.</p>
<p class="" data-start="523" data-end="1002"><strong data-start="523" data-end="539">Michael Jung</strong> stands out with <strong data-start="556" data-end="590">three pillar-to-post victories</strong> at Kentucky (WEG 2010, 2016, 2022), each time holding his lead from start to finish. But he&rsquo;s not alone.&nbsp;<strong data-start="692" data-end="710">Oliver Townend</strong> has also done it, winning from first in 2019, and proving his range by climbing from fifth (2021) and even eighth (2024) for other wins.&nbsp;<strong data-start="847" data-end="867">William Fox-Pitt</strong> matched that blend of dominance and comeback too, including a win from the front in 2010 and podiums built from second-phase strength.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1004" data-end="1141">The takeaway? Front-runners don&rsquo;t always survive the weekend. But when they do&mdash;especially at Kentucky&mdash;it&rsquo;s a mark of complete excellence. Will Michael Jung make it his fourth pillar-to-post victory Kentucky?</p>
<p class="" data-start="1004" data-end="1141">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="" data-start="3043" data-end="3150"><iframe id="datawrapper-chart-QoWId" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Michael Jung has three 'pillar-to-post' victories at Kentucky CCI5* (including WEG 2010) " src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/QoWId/1/" height="1395" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Table" data-external="1"></iframe></p>
<p class="" data-start="3043" data-end="3150">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="3043" data-end="3150">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="3043" data-end="3150">Want More Like This?</h3>
<p class="" data-start="3043" data-end="3150">Follow along for real-time insights, behind-the-scenes drama, and the data that makes eventing even better.</p>
<p class="" data-start="3152" data-end="3466">📱 <strong data-start="3155" data-end="3177">Follow EquiRatings</strong> on&nbsp;<a class="" href="https://www.instagram.com/equiratingseventing" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="318" data-end="387">@equiratings_eventing</a></p>
<p class="" data-start="3152" data-end="3466">🎧 Don&rsquo;t miss&nbsp;<a class="" href="https://eventingpodcast.com/" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="3354" data-end="3406">The Eventing Podcast</a> for expert takes and storytelling you&rsquo;ll want in your ears.</p>
<p class="" data-start="287" data-end="580">📲&nbsp;<strong data-start="393" data-end="422">Join our WhatsApp Channel</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaGnPJYFHWq9b1iSB647" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real-time insights, straight from the team</a> to your phone &mdash; no noise, just eventing.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="" data-start="2554" data-end="2663">&nbsp;</p>

The Surprising Truth About CCI5* Dressage Stars

<p class="" data-start="269" data-end="419"><strong data-start="269" data-end="346">&ldquo;I really love this place, this show. Everything went really well today.&rdquo;</strong><br data-start="346" data-end="349">Michael Jung wasn&rsquo;t just smiling after his test&mdash;he was making history.</p>
<p class="" data-start="269" data-end="419">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p class="" data-start="421" data-end="766">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="" data-start="421" data-end="766">With an extraordinary score of&nbsp;<strong data-start="452" data-end="460">18.6</strong>,<strong> Jung</strong> and <strong>fischerChipmunk FRH</strong> have delivered the best CCI5* dressage score at Kentucky since our records began in 2008.&nbsp;That&rsquo;s not just a record&mdash;it&rsquo;s a <em data-start="610" data-end="621">statement</em>. In a phase that rewards precision, polish, and partnership, Jung brought all three in spades, laying down a marker for the rest of the weekend.</p>
<p class="" data-start="126" data-end="421">This isn't new territory for this legendary pairing. In fact, it&rsquo;s the <strong data-start="197" data-end="210">15th time</strong> that <strong>fischerChipmunk FRH</strong> has gone sub-20 in an international competition. That&rsquo;s <strong>2.5</strong><strong data-start="327" data-end="356">&nbsp;times more</strong> than the next best combination,<strong><em> </em>Louis M</strong> and <strong>Pia M&uuml;nker.</strong><em data-start="403" data-end="415">&nbsp;</em>From the Olympics to the 4*-S stages across Europe, they've been setting benchmarks everywhere they go.</p>
<p class="" data-start="126" data-end="421">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="423" data-end="780">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="423" data-end="780"><strong>fischerChipmunk FRH's Fifteen Sub-20 International Dressage Tests</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p class="" data-start="126" data-end="421"><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/d92b2a1e-e865-4092-a5dc-276b5aec2c4f.png?width=720&amp;height=589" alt="Screenshot 2025 04 24 232017"></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="423" data-end="780">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="423" data-end="780"><strong>Horses With 4 or More Sub-20 Dressage Scores at International Level (since 2008)</strong></h3>
<p class="" data-start="126" data-end="421"><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/d94a1d77-9e77-450f-8b4d-5989875346c9.png?width=676&amp;height=420" alt="Screenshot 2025 04 24 232821"></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 class="" data-start="1141" data-end="1175">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="1141" data-end="1175">17 Years of History, Rewritten</h3>
<p class="" data-start="1177" data-end="1477">To put the 18.6 in perspective, it knocks <strong data-start="1219" data-end="1241">Bettina Hoy&rsquo;s </strong>19.2 with<em> </em><strong>Ringwood Cockatoo</strong> (2009) off the top of the Kentucky leaderboard.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1177" data-end="1477"><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/5568f785-0c62-4d0b-b6cb-e10e8b8755bf.png?width=571&amp;height=742" alt="Screenshot 2025 04 24 231444"></p>
<p class="" data-start="1177" data-end="1477">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="423" data-end="780">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="423" data-end="780">Jung's Rising Win Chance</h3>
<p class="" data-start="423" data-end="780">And if that wasn't enough, Jung's record-breaking 18.6 has just boosted his win probability by<strong data-start="423" data-end="495"> 17%</strong>, rocketing the combination up to a <strong data-start="520" data-end="538">48% win chance</strong> according to the latest <a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/kentucky_5l_2025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prediction Centre</a> figures.</p>
<p class="" data-start="423" data-end="780">And if Jung does go on to convert that into a win, it would be nothing short of historic&mdash; it would be&nbsp;<strong data-start="679" data-end="709">his fifth Kentucky CCI5* victory</strong>, to go alongside his <strong data-start="731" data-end="779">World Championship title earned here in 2010</strong>.</p>
<p class="" data-start="423" data-end="780">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p class="" data-start="423" data-end="780">&nbsp;</p>
<h3 data-start="423" data-end="780"><strong>Prediction Centre Win, Podium and Top 10 Chances After Day One of Dressage</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p class="" data-start="423" data-end="780"><a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/kentucky_5l_2025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/995220a1-031c-46e3-858d-67b2217e97ae.png?width=1087&amp;height=586" alt="Screenshot 2025 04 24 230924"></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 class="" data-start="1141" data-end="1175">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="1141" data-end="1175">Changes in Prediction Centre Chances After Day One of Dressage</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 class="" data-start="1141" data-end="1175"><a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/kentucky_5l_2025/movement" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/5bfcd784-af33-4cae-ad35-ff5a6317fc39.png?width=1081&amp;height=280" alt="Screenshot 2025 04 24 231303"></a></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p class="" data-start="1177" data-end="1477">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 class="" data-start="1479" data-end="1506">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="1479" data-end="1506">New Zealanders in Hot Pursuit</h3>
<p class="" data-start="166" data-end="316">But there&rsquo;s no room for complacency. Behind the German maestro sits a hungry pair of New Zealanders, both posting <strong data-start="280" data-end="288">28.4</strong> to hold joint 2nd after day one.</p>
<p class="" data-start="320" data-end="613"><strong data-start="320" data-end="340">Clarke Johnstone</strong> and <strong>Menlo Park</strong> impressed in their first Kentucky 5*. Clarke hasn&rsquo;t competed here in over 15 years, and he&rsquo;s made the return count. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s just a lovely guy,&rdquo; Clarke said of his horse. &ldquo;Loves travelling, people, and doing things. He&rsquo;s fun to take to events like this.&rdquo;</p>
<p class="" data-start="617" data-end="934"><strong data-start="617" data-end="630">Tim Price</strong>, no stranger to the top table, praised <strong>Jarillo</strong> for stepping up when it mattered: &ldquo;All we really want is for them to come out and deliver what they&rsquo;re capable of doing, and I think both horses did that today.&rdquo;<strong> </strong>And it&rsquo;s not just Jarillo in the mix&mdash;Tim&rsquo;s also sitting fourth with <strong>Happy Boy</strong> on a <strong>29.1.</strong></p>
<p class="" data-start="2188" data-end="2313">It&rsquo;s a strong New Zealand showing&mdash;and with both riders known for their skill on cross-country, Jung won&rsquo;t be relaxing any time soon.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2188" data-end="2313">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="168" data-end="304">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="168" data-end="304"><strong>Ones to Watch Tomorrow</strong></h3>
<p class="" data-start="168" data-end="304">Friday brings more big names and serious movers. Here are six horses to keep an eye on as the second half of the CCI5* dressage unfolds:</p>
<p class="" data-start="308" data-end="346"><strong data-start="308" data-end="317">13:00</strong> &ndash; <em data-start="320" data-end="330">Luke 140</em> (Boyd Martin)</p>
<p class="" data-start="349" data-end="396"><strong data-start="349" data-end="358">13:48</strong> &ndash; <em data-start="361" data-end="381">Brookfield Quality</em> (Tom McEwen)</p>
<p class="" data-start="399" data-end="441"><strong data-start="399" data-end="408">15:10</strong> &ndash; <em data-start="411" data-end="417">Dyri</em> (Lucienne Bellissimo)</p>
<p class="" data-start="444" data-end="477"><strong data-start="444" data-end="453">15:18</strong> &ndash; <em data-start="456" data-end="463">Falco</em> (Tim Price)</p>
<p class="" data-start="480" data-end="521"><strong data-start="480" data-end="489">15:26</strong> &ndash; <em data-start="492" data-end="505">Grafennacht</em> (Harry Meade)</p>
<p class="" data-start="524" data-end="562"><strong data-start="524" data-end="533">15:34</strong> &ndash; <em data-start="536" data-end="548">Commando 3</em> (Boyd Martin)</p>
<p class="" data-start="564" data-end="736">With Jung&rsquo;s 18.6 still looming large, the pressure is on.&nbsp;<strong data-start="707" data-end="736">Friday is going to be big.</strong></p>
<p class="" data-start="564" data-end="736">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 class="" data-start="150" data-end="200">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="150" data-end="200">📣 <strong data-start="157" data-end="200">Stay in the Loop on All Things Eventing</strong></h3>
<p class="" data-start="201" data-end="285">Get the latest predictions, key stats, and storylines delivered where you want them.</p>
<p class="" data-start="287" data-end="580">👉&nbsp;<strong data-start="290" data-end="316">Follow us on Instagram</strong>: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/equiratings_eventing?igsh=dHFlZ2c0c2tvZXlo&amp;utm_source=qr">@equiratings_eventing</a><br data-start="387" data-end="390">📲&nbsp;<strong data-start="393" data-end="422">Join our WhatsApp Channel</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaGnPJYFHWq9b1iSB647" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real-time insights, straight from the team</a> to your phone &mdash; no noise, just eventing.&nbsp;</p>

Michael Jung with the new Kentucky record score

A Record-Breaking Start to Kentucky

<p class="" data-start="232" data-end="672">Dressage might only be the first phase, but it sets the tone for the entire weekend &mdash; and at the Defender Kentucky 5*, starting strong is more than just a confidence boost. In the last decade, every single winner was <strong>inside the&nbsp;top 5</strong> after dressage &mdash; except for one:<strong> Oliver Townend</strong> and <strong>Cooley Rosalent</strong> in 2024, who came from 8th to win. Before that? You&rsquo;d have to go back to <strong>2006</strong> to find a winner who wasn&rsquo;t already in striking distance by Friday night.</p>
<p class="" data-start="674" data-end="837">So yes &mdash; starting low often means finishing high on the leaderboard. The <strong data-start="222" data-end="247">6RA (six-run average)</strong> reflects the average score of a horse&rsquo;s <strong data-start="288" data-end="329">last six international dressage tests</strong>, giving us a data-backed glimpse at who&rsquo;s most likely to set the standard down the centreline.</p>
<p class="" data-start="839" data-end="965">Here are the top 10 dressage horses in the 5* field this year, ranked by 6RA &mdash; with their test times, so you don&rsquo;t miss a moment.</p>
<p class="" data-start="839" data-end="965">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="967" data-end="970">
<h3 class="" data-start="972" data-end="1027">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="972" data-end="1027">🥇 fischerChipmunk FRH &amp;&nbsp;Michael Jung</h3>
<p>Top 6RA in the Field &ndash; 6RA: 20.9</p>
<p class="" data-start="1028" data-end="1237">The benchmark. This combination posted a record-breaking <strong>20.1</strong> here in 2022, and three years later, he still holds the lowest dressage average in the field. His most recent score? A <strong>17.8</strong> at the <em>Paris Olympic</em>s. When <em>fischerChipmunk FRH </em>enters the ring, everyone pays attention &mdash; and most are playing catch-up.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1028" data-end="1237"><br data-start="1198" data-end="1201">📅 <strong data-start="1204" data-end="1216">Thursday</strong> | 🕑 <strong data-start="1222" data-end="1237">2:18 PM EST</strong></p>
<p class="" data-start="1028" data-end="1237">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="1239" data-end="1242">
<h3 class="" data-start="1244" data-end="1296">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="1244" data-end="1296">🥈 Brookfield Quality &amp; Tom McEwen</h3>
<p>Second-Best 6RA &ndash; 6RA: 26.6</p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">A sharp mover with serious scores behind him. His 6RA puts him ahead of several better-known contenders &mdash; and this isn&rsquo;t new ground for McEwen. On his two previous trips stateside, he posted scores of<strong> 22.6</strong> and <strong>24.6</strong>&nbsp;<em>(JL Dublin)</em>, proving he knows how to deliver early in Kentucky.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1297" data-end="1504"><br data-start="1467" data-end="1470">📅 <strong data-start="1473" data-end="1483">Friday</strong> | 🕑 <strong data-start="1489" data-end="1504">3:06 PM EST</strong></p>
<p class="" data-start="1297" data-end="1504">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="1506" data-end="1509">
<h3 class="" data-start="1511" data-end="1556">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="1511" data-end="1556">🥉 Commando 3 &amp; Boyd Martin</h3>
<p class="" data-start="1557" data-end="1770">Third-Best 6RA &ndash; 6RA: 26.9</p>
<p class="" data-start="1557" data-end="1770">This is the horse that could lead the U.S. charge after the first phase.&nbsp;<em data-start="251" data-end="263">Commando 3</em> is reliable, flashy, and trending up &mdash; back for his second five-star after a tough first outing at <em>Maryland</em>, and ready to show what he's really made of. A strong Friday test could launch a serious challenge.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1557" data-end="1770"><br data-start="1733" data-end="1736">📅 <strong data-start="1739" data-end="1749">Friday</strong> | 🕑 <strong data-start="1755" data-end="1770">3:34 PM EST</strong></p>
<p class="" data-start="1557" data-end="1770">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="1772" data-end="1775">
<h3 class="" data-start="1777" data-end="1827">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="1777" data-end="1827">4. Menlo Park &amp; Clarke Johnstone</h3>
<p class="" data-start="1828" data-end="2006">6RA: 27.4</p>
<p class="" data-start="1828" data-end="2006">Smooth and consistent, <em data-start="175" data-end="187">Menlo Park</em> brings international polish to Kentucky. This combination is well-positioned to post a sub-30 score &mdash; and on a good day, they&rsquo;re one of the few with the potential to dip into the low 20s.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1828" data-end="2006"><br data-start="1967" data-end="1970">📅 <strong data-start="1973" data-end="1985">Thursday</strong> | 🕑 <strong data-start="1991" data-end="2006">2:26 PM EST</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="2008" data-end="2011">
<h3 class="" data-start="2013" data-end="2060">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="2013" data-end="2060">5. Dyri &amp; Lucienne Bellissimo</h3>
<p>6RA: 27.5</p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Elegant, accurate, and still gaining attention &mdash; <em>Dyri</em> has quietly built an impressive dressage record. While this marks a 5* debut for both horse and rider, the numbers suggest they could make an immediate impression. One to keep an eye on.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2061" data-end="2241"><br data-start="2204" data-end="2207">📅 <strong data-start="2210" data-end="2220">Friday</strong> | 🕑 <strong data-start="2226" data-end="2241">3:38 PM EST</strong></p>
<p class="" data-start="2061" data-end="2241">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="2243" data-end="2246">
<h3 class="" data-start="2248" data-end="2294">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="2248" data-end="2294">6. Grafennacht &amp; Harry Meade</h3>
<p>6RA: 28.2</p>
<p class="" data-start="2295" data-end="2459"><em data-start="169" data-end="182">Grafennacht</em> brings power and presence &mdash; and her first phase could put Harry Meade in a strong position to fight for the title. If EquiRatings&rsquo; Diarm Byrne has anything to say about it,<strong> </strong>Harry <strong>will win</strong> a five-star this year. Is<em> Grafennacht</em> the horse he does it with?</p>
<p class="" data-start="2295" data-end="2459"><br data-start="2422" data-end="2425">📅 <strong data-start="2428" data-end="2438">Friday</strong> | 🕑 <strong data-start="2444" data-end="2459">3:46 PM EST</strong></p>
<p class="" data-start="2295" data-end="2459">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="2461" data-end="2464">
<h3 class="" data-start="2466" data-end="2504">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="2466" data-end="2504">7. Falco &amp; Tim Price</h3>
<p>6RA: 28.6</p>
<p class="" data-start="2505" data-end="2693">A proven 5* horse with experience under pressure, <em data-start="173" data-end="180">Falco</em> leads a serious three-horse campaign for Tim Price &mdash; all three of his entries rank inside the top 10 for dressage 6RA. Known for producing calm, high-quality tests, Price has the depth and the skill to put multiple horses into early contention. <em data-start="426" data-end="433">Falco</em>, the most seasoned of the trio, could be the one to lead them out front. This combination has scored as low as <strong data-start="545" data-end="553">22.5</strong> at 5* level (<em data-start="567" data-end="577">Pau 2021</em>) &mdash; and could land near the top again.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2505" data-end="2693"><br data-start="2656" data-end="2659">📅 <strong data-start="2662" data-end="2672">Friday</strong> | 🕑 <strong data-start="2678" data-end="2693">3:42 PM EST</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="2695" data-end="2698">
<h3 class="" data-start="2700" data-end="2742">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="2700" data-end="2742">8. Jarillo &amp; Tim Price</h3>
<p>6RA: 29.0</p>
<p class="" data-start="2743" data-end="2909"><em data-start="2743" data-end="2754">Happy Boy</em> might be less experienced than&nbsp;<em data-start="2785" data-end="2792">Falco</em>, but he&rsquo;s trending well. Watch for a stylish test with potential to surprise.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="" data-start="2743" data-end="2909"><br data-start="2870" data-end="2873">📅 <strong data-start="2876" data-end="2888">Thursday</strong> | 🕑 <strong data-start="2894" data-end="2909">2:34 PM EST</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="2911" data-end="2914">
<h3 class="" data-start="2916" data-end="2956">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="2916" data-end="2956">9. Jarillo &amp; Tim Price</h3>
<p>6RA: 29.3</p>
<p class="" data-start="2957" data-end="3164">Tim&rsquo;s first ride of the week &mdash; and a horse who can set a strong tone. While not as experienced as his stablemates, <em data-start="254" data-end="263">Jarillo</em> is more than capable of laying down a sharp mark. This is only his second 5*, but he proved he belongs at this level with a top 10 finish at <em>Pau </em>in 2024.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2957" data-end="3164"><br data-start="3125" data-end="3128">📅 <strong data-start="3131" data-end="3143">Thursday</strong> | 🕐 <strong data-start="3149" data-end="3164">1:30 PM EST</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="3166" data-end="3169">
<h3 class="" data-start="3171" data-end="3215">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="3171" data-end="3215">10. Luke 140 &amp; Boyd Martin</h3>
<p>6RA: 29.4</p>
<p class="" data-start="3216" data-end="3400"><em>Luke 140</em> is a strong contender, despite missing last season. Tricky but talented, he brings quality to Boyd&rsquo;s 5* trio. He may not lead after dressage, but he has the scope and determination to be in serious contention by the end of the weekend.</p>
<p class="" data-start="3216" data-end="3400"><br data-start="3363" data-end="3366">📅 <strong data-start="3369" data-end="3379">Friday</strong> | 🕐 <strong data-start="3385" data-end="3400">1:00 PM EST</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="3402" data-end="3405">
<h3 class="" data-start="3407" data-end="3441">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="3407" data-end="3441"><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/94e77ef5-59e5-4d61-b2e8-3ceecffa20f7.png?width=637&amp;height=1051" alt="Screenshot 2025 04 24 002512"></h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="3407" data-end="3441">&nbsp;</h3>
<hr>
<h3 class="" data-start="3407" data-end="3441">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="3407" data-end="3441">Want More Kentucky Coverage?</h3>
<p class="" data-start="3442" data-end="3638">👉&nbsp;<strong data-start="290" data-end="316">Follow us on Instagram</strong>: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/equiratings_eventing?igsh=dHFlZ2c0c2tvZXlo&amp;utm_source=qr">@equiratings_eventing</a></p>
<p class="" data-start="3442" data-end="3638">🎧 <strong data-start="3" data-end="167" data-is-last-node="">Listen to the Eventing Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.</strong></p>
<p class="" data-start="3442" data-end="3638">📲&nbsp;<strong data-start="393" data-end="422">Join our WhatsApp Channel</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaGnPJYFHWq9b1iSB647" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real-time insights, straight from the team</a> to your phone &mdash; no noise, just eventing.&nbsp;</p>

What Happens When You Give Michael Jung an 18-Second Head Start?

Top Stories

Off The Record Goes Into The Record Books

What Happens When You Give Michael Jung an 18-Second Head Start?

The Surprising Truth About CCI5* Dressage Stars

A Record-Breaking Start to Kentucky

The Best Dressage Horses at Defender Kentucky 5*

Latest Shows

Defender Kentucky

Eventing

MARS Badminton Horse Trials

Eventing

FEI World Cup Final

Jumping

US Equestrian Open Jumping Final

Jumping

Latest Insights

Latest Articles

Previews & Insights

US Equestrian Open

Follow our coverage

Win Chances

Jumping

Win Chances

Eventing