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<p>In sport, there are always great performances. But then there are the ones that make you stop in awe.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Kentucky Three Day Event is always circled on the eventing enthusiast&rsquo;s calendar. Every year, it delivers storylines that captivate, challenge, and change the game. This year was no different. In fact, it proved why Kentucky still earns its tagline as <em>The Best Weekend All Year.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Michael Jung</strong> and <strong>fischerChipmunk FRH </strong>didn&rsquo;t just win&hellip; <em>again</em>. They dominated. <strong>It was their sixth title at the venue</strong>, and they left behind broken records and a fresh reminder of what peak performance looks like. But this wasn&rsquo;t a one-man show. Between <strong>Boyd Martin&rsquo;s triple top-ten</strong> and <strong>Harry Meade&rsquo;s return to the podium</strong>, the leaderboard told a story of veterans, breakthrough horses, and numbers that matter.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Michael Jung Redefines What Winning Means&nbsp;</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Michael&rsquo;s weekend was unreal. Every time this man trots into an arena, there&rsquo;s a chance he breaks records. This weekend? He did it in all three phases.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">It&rsquo;s hard to call a Michael Jung Kentucky Win a surprise, but this one still managed to drop jaws. Michi and Chipmunk <a href="https://news.equiratings.com/stories/what-happens-when-you-give-michael-jung-an-18-second-head-start">set a new dressage record</a> for the event, opened up the largest margin after dressage in modern 5* history, then followed that with the <a href="https://news.equiratings.com/stories/michael-jung-is-rewriting-the-record-books-again">biggest lead ever seen after cross-country</a>. By the time he cantered into the show jumping ring, the rest of the field was already miles behind.</p>
<p dir="ltr">His final margin? <strong>7.8 points</strong> &mdash; which, if you're counting, gives him four of the six biggest winning margins in Kentucky history.</p>
<p><iframe id="datawrapper-chart-lQtK1" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Top Ten Kentucky CCI5* Winning Margins" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/lQtK1/1/" height="977" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Table" data-external="1"></iframe></p>
<p dir="ltr">Jung was characteristically humble afterward, calling it &ldquo;definitely luck,&rdquo; but also spoke to the joy of simply riding great horses:</p>
<blockquote>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;Ever since I was young, I really love to ride the horses. I love the animals. I&rsquo;m really happy doing what I&rsquo;m doing every day.&rdquo;</p>
</blockquote>
<p dir="ltr">Perhaps Michi&rsquo;s secret isn&rsquo;t luck after all. Perhaps it&rsquo;s his deep love and appreciation for not only the sport, but more importantly, the four-legged partners who make it possible.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Boyd Martin&rsquo;s Depth Is Paying Off</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Boyd came into the weekend with three legitimate contenders for his first Kentucky CCI5*-L win. As he said on the <a href="https://eventingpodcast.libsyn.com/inside-kentucky-boyd-martin-on-bringing-his-best-to-the-bluegrass">EquiRatings Eventing Podcast</a> a few weeks ago, there was just one problem&ndash; the Europeans came over and inflated the field strength. &ldquo; It&rsquo;d be nice if these guys just stayed put, you know, in Europe, and left it to the Yanks,&rdquo; he joked.</p>
<p dir="ltr">He finished second on Commando 3. Fedarman B placed sixth, and Luke 140 landed seventh. That result makes Boyd just the <strong>third rider since 2008 to put three horses in the top 10 at a CCI5*-L</strong>.</p>
<p><iframe id="datawrapper-chart-tOXah" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Riders with 3 Horses in the Top 10 at a 5*&nbsp;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/tOXah/1/" height="650" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Table" data-external="1"></iframe></p>
<p dir="ltr">Commando 3, in particular, answered some big questions.&nbsp;&ldquo;I wasn&rsquo;t sure what I was in for this year,&rdquo; Boyd admitted.</p>
<blockquote>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;But after this event, I think he could be a career-changing horse.&rdquo;</p>
</blockquote>
<p dir="ltr">It&rsquo;s also a testament to Boyd&rsquo;s long-game investment in talent and team &mdash; from sourcing horses like Commando during a visit to a friend of Michi&rsquo;s in Germany, to building a relationship with legendary jumper Peter Wylde, now a regular presence in Boyd&rsquo;s eventing camp. &ldquo;He comes to my barn, rides the horses, trains the horses. I just love the guy,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Harry Meade and the Power of Patience</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Harry Meade is far from new to the stage, but Kentucky marked something rare: his <strong>first-ever 5* podium outside of the UK</strong>, and his first with a rising star.</p>
<p dir="ltr">But make no mistake &mdash; Harry&rsquo;s success wasn&rsquo;t some underdog surprise. This weekend was a reminder of just how much he's quietly built one of the sport&rsquo;s most consistent cross-country records. With both Et Hop Du Matz and Grafennacht finishing <em>inside the time</em> on cross-country, Harry became the only rider to do so in the entire five-star. In fact, no one &mdash; in the 4* or the 5* &mdash; made the time on Saturday except those two horses. That&rsquo;s a rare and telling accomplishment.</p>
<p><iframe id="datawrapper-chart-mpuz7" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="How Often Harry Meade Has Made The Time " src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/mpuz7/1/" height="647" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Table" data-external="1"></iframe></p>
<p dir="ltr">He now sits on 10 career clears inside the time at 5*, tying him with David Doel and placing him among the top modern XC performers. He also joins the exclusive list of riders with five or more FODs at 5*, a mark of consistency few can claim.</p>
<p><iframe id="datawrapper-chart-OxO4N" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" title="Riders with the most FODs at 5*" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/OxO4N/1/" height="487" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" aria-label="Table" data-external="1"></iframe></p>
<p dir="ltr">Et Hop Du Matz, just ten years old, delivered a gutsy performance across all three phases to take third. &ldquo;He tried his heart out,&rdquo; Harry said. &ldquo;The reason I&rsquo;m here is for the horses. It&rsquo;s the reason we do the sport for these top level events&hellip; having hope is hugely motivating.&rdquo;</p>
<p dir="ltr">That theme &mdash; <em>hope</em> &mdash; came up again and again in Harry&rsquo;s reflections, and not just about the horses. He spoke to the power of these big events, of walking into a packed stadium and feeling the buzz from the Kentucky crowd.</p>
<blockquote>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;You go in with a plan, but you can&rsquo;t help but go in with a smile on your face.&rdquo;</p>
</blockquote>
<h2 dir="ltr">A Podium Worth Measuring</h2>
<p dir="ltr">This year&rsquo;s CCI5*-L was rich in emotion and packed with performances that stand the test of time.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>Michael Jung now holds the top three winning margins in Kentucky history.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>Harry Meade becomes just the fifth rider with multiple top-five finishes at Kentucky.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>Boyd Martin joins an elite club with three top-ten finishes in a single 5*.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr">It&rsquo;s easy to look at those numbers and see dominance. But what stood out most was the reverence from fellow riders &mdash; the kind of admiration that only comes from trying to chase someone at the top of their game.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;I often watch videos of Michael ride. I try to copy him,&rdquo; Boyd shared. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve never seen someone that good in all three phases.&rdquo;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Harry echoed it with quiet awe: &ldquo;I think we&rsquo;re living in a really special moment.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>
<blockquote>
<p dir="ltr"><em>&ldquo;He will be remembered as the best there ever was.&rdquo;</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p dir="ltr">When even your fiercest competition starts sounding like a fan club, you know you&rsquo;re witnessing something special.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Want More Like This?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Join us on<a href="https://www.instagram.com/equiratings/"> Instagram</a> for deep-dive breakdowns, fast facts, and content for performance-obsessed eventing fans. And if you&rsquo;re serious about understanding who&rsquo;s hot heading into Badminton, our WhatsApp group is where you want to be.</p>
<p dir="ltr">We&rsquo;re tracking the form, so you don&rsquo;t have to guess who&rsquo;s coming for the podium.</p>

boyd martin, michael jung, and harry meade celebrating after a win

Greatness Leaves a Mark

<p dir="ltr">Michael Jung leads the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event after cross-country by <strong>11.8 penalties</strong> &mdash; the largest post-XC lead at any 5* on record. Although Michael and fischerChipmunk FRH added 2.4 time penalties to their score, he still grew the margin he led by after dressage &mdash; which, incidentally, was also <a href="https://news.equiratings.com/stories/what-happens-when-you-give-michael-jung-an-18-second-head-start">a record-breaking margin</a>. Now, he sits on <strong>21.0</strong>, while second place (Boyd Martin and Commando 3) sit on 32.8 &mdash; a gap of nearly three rails.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If he jumps clear tomorrow, he&rsquo;ll not only win Kentucky again (for the <strong>fifth time</strong> &mdash; another record), but he&rsquo;ll also make history with the largest winning margin ever recorded at the Kentucky Horse Park.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Jung&rsquo;s Personal Kentucky Record Book</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Michael Jung&rsquo;s record at Kentucky is unreal. It&rsquo;s hard to simply write a blog about one record-breaking metric without running face first into five or six more. Simply put, <strong>Michi is in a league of his own.</strong>&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">To keep track of his growing haul, here&rsquo;s a quick cheat sheet on his Kentucky dominance:<br><br></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>7.4</strong> is the largest lead after dressage at any 5* on record.<br><br></li>
<li><strong>11.8&nbsp;</strong>is the largest lead after cross-country at any 5* on record.<br><br></li>
<li><strong>If this lead holds</strong>, it&rsquo;ll be the largest in Kentucky history &mdash; topping his own&nbsp;<strong>11.6</strong> from 2022 with Chipmunk.<br><br></li>
<li><strong>Only six</strong> Kentucky winners have finished with a margin greater than 4.0. Michael owns&nbsp;<strong>three</strong> of them:</li>
</ul>
<p><em><strong>2022</strong> &mdash; Jung &amp; fischerChipmunk FRH &mdash; 11.6</em></p>
<p><em><strong>2016</strong> &mdash; Jung &amp; fischerRocana FST &mdash; 9.6</em></p>
<p><em><strong>2010</strong> &mdash; Jung &amp; La Biosthetique&ndash;Sam FBW &mdash; 6.0</em></p>
<p><em><strong>2025</strong> &mdash; pending, but could surpass all three</em></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/1647d01e-8520-44e0-a457-22c23f295aef.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="All the winning margins ever recorded at the Kentucky 5*"></h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">Where He Ranks Globally</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Naturally, this weekend&rsquo;s performance doesn&rsquo;t just shake up Kentucky&rsquo;s historic stats &mdash; it puts Michael in the global conversation as well. If he finishes on today&rsquo;s 21.0, he&rsquo;ll join the <em>global</em> top 10 winning margins for a <em>third</em> <em>time</em>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The top margin belongs to Ros Canter &amp; Lordships Graffalo (15.0 at Badminton 2023). It&rsquo;s perhaps unlikely that he&rsquo;ll beat that margin this weekend &mdash; but if we&rsquo;ve learned one thing, it&rsquo;s to never bet against Michael Jung.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/ab3b71a3-4ec6-4e2b-9d3a-662f2dfec8a5.png?width=1080&amp;height=1350" alt="Table of the top 10 largest five star wins in history"></p>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;I&rsquo;m not really thinking about the record. I&rsquo;m thinking about the competition,&rdquo; Michael said. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s an amazing horse. It&rsquo;s the horse that has to achieve that... I know it can go wrong all the time. So you just have to be prepared for the next day and do the best we can.&rdquo;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">One Round Away</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Michael Jung heads into the final phase on a score of 21.0, with Boyd Martin the closest behind on 32.8. One more clear round, and history gets another rewrite. The lead is commanding, the records are lining up, and only a handful of colorful sticks stand between him and victory.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>He may not be thinking about records &mdash; but they keep finding him anyway.</em></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 across the finish line on cross country

Michael Jung Is Rewriting the Record Books — Again

<p class="" data-start="311" data-end="667">With dressage done and dusted, we&rsquo;ve got a leaderboard loaded with talent, pressure, and just a touch of chaos heading into Saturday&rsquo;s cross country at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by MARS. After the first phase, the riders have laid their cards on the table &mdash; but this is eventing, and the game can changes dramatically once the stopwatches start ticking.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 data-start="423" data-end="780">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 data-start="423" data-end="780"><strong>Prediction Centre Win, Podium and Top 10 Chances After Dressage</strong></h3>
<p class="" data-start="669" data-end="837"><strong data-start="669" data-end="782"><a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/kentucky_5l_2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/0a4de625-c33d-4e29-a10e-514a780decfe.png?width=1234&amp;height=796" alt="Screenshot 2025 04 26 104927"></a></strong></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 Dressage</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="194" data-end="241"><a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/kentucky_5l_2025/movement" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/b2fffa32-c3be-4c2c-b67d-c01bf00ce0e7.png?width=1234&amp;height=507" alt="Screenshot 2025 04 26 105003"></a></h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="194" data-end="241">&nbsp;</h3>
<hr>
<h3 class="" data-start="194" data-end="241">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Metrics Explained</h3>
<p class="" data-start="115" data-end="790">When it comes to cross-country analysis, a few key metrics give real insight into performance&mdash;and they help us look beyond just clear rounds or penalties.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="" data-start="115" data-end="790"><strong data-start="270" data-end="279">XCJ10</strong> shows a horse&rsquo;s clear jumping rate across its last 10 international cross-country runs, revealing consistency over time.</p>
<p class="" data-start="115" data-end="790"><strong data-start="401" data-end="414">Avg XCJ10</strong> provides crucial course context, showing how tough those tracks were for everyone.</p>
<p class="" data-start="115" data-end="790"><strong data-start="498" data-end="511">Adj XCJ10</strong> then measures how a horse&rsquo;s clear rate compares to those course averages&mdash;positive means above the standard, negative means below.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="" data-start="115" data-end="790"><strong data-start="646" data-end="676">TSP (Top Speed Percentage)</strong> shows the percentage of opponents a horse has outrun on its fastest days, highlighting speed and competitiveness.</p>
<p class="" data-start="792" data-end="1080">At EquiRatings, we use these metrics because the sport is more than just "yes" or "no" on the scoreboard. Every course, every round, and every competitor brings different challenges&mdash;and smart stats give fans, riders, and selectors a much deeper understanding of performance and potential.</p>
<p class="" data-start="792" data-end="1080">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h3 class="" data-start="194" data-end="241">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="194" data-end="241">The Podium's Cross Country Metrics</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="194" data-end="241">1.&nbsp;<strong data-start="238" data-end="276">fischerChipmunk FRH (Michael Jung)</strong></h3>
<p class="" data-start="279" data-end="671"><strong data-start="279" data-end="287">XCJ10:</strong> 70%&emsp;&emsp;<strong data-start="293" data-end="305">Avg XCJ10:</strong> 71%&emsp;&emsp;<strong data-start="311" data-end="323">Adj XCJ10:</strong> -0.1%&emsp;&emsp;<strong data-start="329" data-end="337">TSP:</strong> 85.7<br data-start="342" data-end="345">No stranger to the pressure of a five-star, Chipmunk has the stats and the rider to back up his position at the top. With a 90% clear rate over the toughest tracks in the world and one of the best adjusted XCJ scores in the field, Michi Jung&rsquo;s machine isn&rsquo;t just classy &mdash; he&rsquo;s lethal on cross country.<br data-start="646" data-end="649"><strong data-start="649" data-end="671">XC time: 13:54 EST</strong></p>
<h3 class="" data-start="678" data-end="715">2.&nbsp;<strong data-start="685" data-end="713">Commando 3 (Boyd Martin)</strong></h3>
<p class="" data-start="716" data-end="1076"><strong data-start="716" data-end="724">XCJ10:</strong> 90%&emsp;&emsp;<strong data-start="730" data-end="742">Avg XCJ10:</strong> 62%&emsp;&emsp;<strong data-start="748" data-end="760">Adj XCJ10:</strong> 28%&emsp;&emsp;<strong data-start="766" data-end="774">TSP:</strong> 90<br data-start="777" data-end="780">Boyd Martin&rsquo;s latest rising star is all about control, scope, and speed. While he&rsquo;s still new to the 5* level, Commando 3 has shown nothing but promise. If Boyd chooses to go for it &mdash; and you know he will &mdash; this horse could shake up the leaderboard by tomorrow afternoon.<br data-start="1051" data-end="1054"><strong data-start="1054" data-end="1076">XC time: 15:50 EST</strong></p>
<h3 class="" data-start="1083" data-end="1127">3.&nbsp;<strong data-start="1090" data-end="1125">Brookfield Quality (Tom McEwen)</strong></h3>
<p class="" data-start="1128" data-end="1454"><strong data-start="1128" data-end="1136">XCJ10:</strong> 80%&emsp;&emsp;<strong data-start="1142" data-end="1154">Avg XCJ10:</strong> 64%&emsp;&emsp;<strong data-start="1160" data-end="1172">Adj XCJ10:</strong> 16%&emsp;&emsp;<strong data-start="1178" data-end="1186">TSP:</strong> 90.9<br data-start="1191" data-end="1194">Brookfield Quality brings serious polish and power to Kentucky, and with Tom McEwen in the saddle, he's in safe hands. He&rsquo;s proven at the level and shows top-tier XC reliability &mdash; plus, that TSP suggests he can really shift when asked.<br data-start="1429" data-end="1432"><strong data-start="1432" data-end="1454">XC time: 15:06 EST</strong></p>
<p class="" data-start="1128" data-end="1454">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="1456" data-end="1459">
<h3 class="" data-start="1461" data-end="1503">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="1461" data-end="1503">Other Horses to Watch on Cross Country</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="1510" data-end="1548">🖤&nbsp;<strong data-start="1517" data-end="1546">Grafennacht (Harry Meade)</strong></h3>
<p class="" data-start="1549" data-end="1981"><strong data-start="1549" data-end="1557">XCJ10:</strong> 90%&emsp;&emsp;<strong data-start="1563" data-end="1575">Avg XCJ10:</strong> 59%&emsp;&emsp;<strong data-start="1581" data-end="1593">Adj XCJ10:</strong> 31%&emsp;&emsp;<strong data-start="1599" data-end="1607">TSP:</strong> 93<br data-start="1610" data-end="1613">Grafennacht is an elite cross-country talent with impeccable form under Harry Meade. Cool-headed, accurate, and blisteringly quick when needed, she&rsquo;s already shown she can handle the pressure at major internationals. Despite it being this combination's first five-star together, they are one of the most dangerous in the field heading into XC.<br data-start="1956" data-end="1959"><strong data-start="1959" data-end="1981">XC time: 15:46 EST</strong></p>
<h3 class="" data-start="1988" data-end="2023">🔥&nbsp;<strong data-start="1995" data-end="2021">Karma (James Alliston)</strong></h3>
<p class="" data-start="2024" data-end="2406"><strong data-start="2024" data-end="2032">XCJ10:</strong> 100%&emsp;&emsp;<strong data-start="2039" data-end="2051">Avg XCJ10:</strong> 70%&emsp;&emsp;<strong data-start="2057" data-end="2069">Adj XCJ10:</strong> 30%&emsp;&emsp;<strong data-start="2075" data-end="2083">TSP:</strong> 89<br data-start="2086" data-end="2089">Karma has been quietly climbing into elite territory and now finds herself in a spotlight moment. James Alliston is no stranger to Kentucky, and Karma&rsquo;s cross-country form is aggressive and clean. She&rsquo;s one of the few in this field who wants the stopwatch pressure &mdash; and she thrives under it.<br data-start="2381" data-end="2384"><strong data-start="2384" data-end="2406">XC time: 02:00 EST</strong></p>
<h3 class="" data-start="2413" data-end="2465">⚡&nbsp;<strong data-start="2419" data-end="2463">Fluorescent Adolescent (Jessica Phoenix)</strong></h3>
<p class="" data-start="2466" data-end="2825"><strong data-start="2466" data-end="2474">XCJ10:</strong> 80%&emsp;&emsp;<strong data-start="2480" data-end="2492">Avg XCJ10:</strong> 51%&emsp;&emsp;<strong data-start="2498" data-end="2510">Adj XCJ10:</strong> 29%&emsp;&emsp;<strong data-start="2516" data-end="2524">TSP:</strong> 91<br data-start="2527" data-end="2530">This mare is nothing if not dependable &mdash; and fast. Jessica Phoenix brings Canadian grit and serious experience to the table, and Fluorescent Adolescent is building a reputation as one of the most reliable XC rounds on the circuit. Don&rsquo;t be surprised if this pair climbs.<br data-start="2800" data-end="2803"><strong data-start="2803" data-end="2825">XC time: 01:38 EST</strong></p>
<h3 class="" data-start="2832" data-end="2869">🧨&nbsp;<strong data-start="2839" data-end="2867">Fedarman B (Boyd Martin)</strong></h3>
<p class="" data-start="2870" data-end="3287"><strong data-start="2870" data-end="2878">XCJ10:</strong> 90%&emsp;&emsp;<strong data-start="2884" data-end="2896">Avg XCJ10:</strong> 63%&emsp;&emsp;<strong data-start="2902" data-end="2914">Adj XCJ10:</strong> 27%&emsp;&emsp;<strong data-start="2920" data-end="2928">TSP:</strong> 96<br data-start="2931" data-end="2934">Fedarman B is Boyd&rsquo;s warhorse. Experienced, explosive, and known for attacking the biggest courses with heart and pace. Sitting eleventh place with the second fastest horse in the field, every other rider will be watching this pair leave the start box. A full-tilt run is never off the table &mdash; and often, it&rsquo;s just what wins it.<br data-start="3262" data-end="3265"><strong data-start="3265" data-end="3287">XC time: 01:34 EST</strong></p>
<p class="" data-start="2870" data-end="3287">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<h2 class="" data-start="3822" data-end="3843">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 class="" data-start="3822" data-end="3843">What Happens Next?</h2>
<p class="" data-start="218" data-end="299">Saturday is about grit. Kentucky is a test of nerve, stamina &mdash; and the stopwatch.</p>
<p class="" data-start="301" data-end="532">Cross-country day here has never been easy. On average, just <strong data-start="362" data-end="380">57% jump clear</strong> and only <strong data-start="390" data-end="411">12% make the time</strong> across the past ten years. It&rsquo;s the kind of phase that doesn&rsquo;t just shake up the leaderboard &mdash; it can blow it wide open.</p>
<p class="" data-start="301" data-end="532"><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/f0fbc88c-5807-49e8-84ca-0e1ab8c51a7e.png?width=781&amp;height=745" alt="Screenshot 2025 04 24 163553"></p>
<p class="" data-start="301" data-end="532">&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>
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Cross Country Time at Defender Kentucky 5*

<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>
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<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 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>
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Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH on cross country

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

<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>
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<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>
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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>
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The Best Dressage Horses at Defender Kentucky 5*

<p class="" data-start="287" data-end="492">If you&rsquo;re heading to Kentucky or following from home, there&rsquo;s one name that needs no introduction. <strong>Michael Jung </strong>doesn&rsquo;t just show up at the <strong>Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event</strong> <strong>Presented by MARS Equestrian</strong> &mdash; he rewrites the standard.</p>
<p class="" data-start="494" data-end="716">With four<strong data-start="499" data-end="520">&nbsp;career wins</strong> at the Kentucky CCI5*-L (2015, 2016, 2017, and 2022), a world games victory (2010), a record-breaking finishing score, and now a return with the<strong> </strong>Olympic champion<strong data-start="634" data-end="674"> fischerChipmunk FRH</strong>, Jung&rsquo;s Kentucky legacy is far from over.</p>
<p class="" data-start="494" data-end="716">&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="718" data-end="721">
<h3 class="" data-start="723" data-end="765">Jung at Kentucky &mdash; The Highlights</h3>
<p>Jung has an impressive record at Kentucky</p>
<ul>
<li data-start="768" data-end="853"><strong data-start="768" data-end="787">4 Kentucky CCI5*-L Wins</strong>: 2015, 2016, 2017 (<em data-start="801" data-end="820">fischerRocana FST</em>), 2022 (<em data-start="829" data-end="850">fischerChipmunk FRH</em>)</li>
<li data-start="768" data-end="853"><strong>1 World Equestrian Games Win:</strong> 2010&nbsp;<em>(La Biosthetique-Sam FBW)</em></li>
<li data-start="856" data-end="915"><strong data-start="856" data-end="899">Lowest Finishing Score at CCI5*-L level</strong>: 20.1 in 2022 - a dominant 11.6 penalties ahead of second place</li>
<li data-start="918" data-end="1003"><strong data-start="918" data-end="953">Perfect Record on Cross-Country</strong>: He&rsquo;s never had a jumping penalty at this venue</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;<img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/89209013-e4a5-4182-b6f1-363502a714c3.png?width=715&amp;height=490" alt="Screenshot 2025 04 22 144909"></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr class="" data-start="1231" data-end="1234">
<h3 class="" data-start="1236" data-end="1279">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="" data-start="1236" data-end="1279">Why is Jung still the one to beat at Kentucky?</h3>
<h4 class="" data-start="1281" data-end="1317">1. He's as reliable as it gets cross-country</h4>
<p class="" data-start="1318" data-end="1525">Jung has never had a cross-country jumping penalty at Kentucky. At a 5* where the terrain is unforgiving and the margins are thin, that kind of consistency is rare. He makes the toughest phase look smooth.</p>
<h4 class="" data-start="1527" data-end="1564">2. He converts dressage leads</h4>
<p class="" data-start="1565" data-end="1792">Jung doesn&rsquo;t just lead after dressage&mdash;he stays there. In 2016 and 2022, he led from start to finish.&nbsp;</p>
<h4 class="" data-start="1794" data-end="1828">3. He&rsquo;s back with fischerChipmunk FRH</h4>
<p class="" data-start="1829" data-end="1978"><strong>fischerChipmunk FRH </strong>isn&rsquo;t just the horse that won in 2022&mdash;he&rsquo;s also the reigning Olympic champion. Their return to Kentucky is serious. Here&rsquo;s why:</p>
<ul>
<li data-start="1982" data-end="2017"><strong data-start="1982" data-end="2009">Finishing Score in 2022</strong>: 20.1 - the lowest finishing score at this level since 2008</li>
<li data-start="2020" data-end="2069"><strong data-start="2020" data-end="2027">HPR in 2022</strong>: 111 &mdash; the highest HPR at this level since 2008</li>
<li data-start="2072" data-end="2134"><strong data-start="2072" data-end="2079">Elo</strong>: 901 - the highest in the world at this moment</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://prediction-centre.equiratings.com/competitions/kentucky_5l_2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/befcf981-1df3-48a8-9634-b7827487f5f3.png?width=892&amp;height=252" alt="Screenshot 2025 04 22 115401"></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p class="" data-start="2429" data-end="2552">Can Jung win Kentucky for the sixth time? Can&nbsp;<strong>fischerChipmunk FRH</strong> repeat his 2022 brilliance? And most of all&mdash;<strong data-start="2527" data-end="2551">can anyone beat them</strong>?&nbsp;Because if history&rsquo;s any indicator, it&rsquo;ll take something near-perfect.&nbsp;At Kentucky, <strong data-start="2640" data-end="2662">Jung doesn&rsquo;t blink</strong>.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2429" data-end="2552">Tune in to <strong>Michael Jung </strong>and <strong data-start="634" data-end="674">fischerChipmunk FRH:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li data-start="2429" data-end="2552"><strong data-start="634" data-end="674">Dressage: </strong>Thursday at 2.18pm EST</li>
<li data-start="2429" data-end="2552"><strong data-start="634" data-end="674">Cross Country: </strong>Saturday at 1.54pm EST</li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h3 class="" data-start="150" data-end="200">📣&nbsp;<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>
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<p class="" data-start="2554" data-end="2663">&nbsp;</p>

Jung Returns to Kentucky

<p>As the eyes of the equestrian world turn to Lexington for the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, elite show jumping takes center stage alongside it with the Kentucky International CSI5*. A glittering lineup of top international combinations will take to the Rolex Stadium with serious form and firepower.</p>
<p><img src="https://admin.equiratings.com/assets/477f42f2-c337-42f9-bbb8-0b3fb3f4dd9c.png?width=1518&amp;height=1688" alt="G78d R the Stars of the Show for the Csi5 Kentucky International"></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h1>U.S. Contenders: Formidable and On Fire</h1>
<h3>Kent Farrington &amp; Greya</h3>
<p>Kent Farrington enters with a double threat, and Greya is the queenpin of the field. Ranked No. 1 in the field with an Elo of 770, she is currently the top-rated U.S. horse and boasts 5 clears from her last 9 rounds at five-star 160 level. With two five-star Grand Prix wins already under her belt in 2025, both in Wellington, Greya brings both class and momentum.</p>
<h3><br>Kent Farrington &amp; Toulayna</h3>
<p>Farrington's second ride, Toulayna, is no sidekick. Ranked second in the field this week with an Elo of 764, she also sits within the Top 20 globally-rated horses. Her recent stats show 6 clears in her last 10 rounds at the top level &mdash; evidence of a mare on a serious upward trajectory.</p>
<h3><br>Laura Kraut &amp; Bisquetta</h3>
<p>Another heavy-hitter in red, white, and blue: Bisquetta, partnered with Olympic Team Silver medallist Laura Kraut, comes in ranked 7th in the field with an Elo of 739. They arrive with a flawless 100% clear round record over their last 10 international rounds at CSI4* &amp; 5* at 150cm and above. They also stood proudly on the podium U.S. Equestrian Open Jumping Final, Rolex Grand Prix of Wellington and they&rsquo;ll be out to add another five-star clear here in Lexington.</p>
<h1>International Challengers: Chasing U.S. Supremacy</h1>
<h3>Christian Kukuk &amp; Just Be Gentle (GER)</h3>
<p>The reigning Olympic Champion brings fire to Lexington with Just Be Gentle, ranked 5th in the field on an Elo of 747. This pair helped Germany to the podium in Ocala&rsquo;s Longines League of Nations and also took top honours the Grand Prix there, proving their synergy is lethal at the top level.</p>
<h3><br>Darragh Kenny &amp; Eddy Blue (IRL)</h3>
<p>Ireland&rsquo;s Eddy Blue holds the title of highest-rated Irish horsewith an Elo of 755 and comes in with a consistent record: clear over fences in four consecutive five-star Grand Prix or World Cup first rounds, including a podium finish in Wellington. Kenny and Eddy are riding a quiet storm of consistency, just the kind of form that breaks through under the Saturday Night Lights.</p>
<h3><br>Conor Swail &amp; Casturano (IRL)</h3>
<p>If you want a horse made for Kentucky, look no further. Casturano and Conor Swail are the defending champions of this Grand Prix. &nbsp;As a matter of fact, Conor has never jumped a Grand Prix on Kentucky Horse Trials weekend without producing a clear round. With past wins in 2022 and 2024, and a podium in 2018, the Irish rider enters on serious venue form.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h1>Ones to Watch</h1>
<p>The top 10 are stacked with familiar names, so watch out for stars like <strong>Shane Sweetnam &amp; James Kann Cruz</strong>, currently 6th in the field (Elo 745) with a 56% clear rate at five-star 160cm, and <strong>Lillie Keenan &amp; Argan De Beliard</strong>, coming off a high with their Top 3 finish in Wellington.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h1>Final Thoughts</h1>
<p>With over 10 horses rated over 700 Elo, the Kentucky International CSI5* field boasts a competitive field. Between Farrington&rsquo;s powerhouse pair, Kukuk&rsquo;s winning form, and Swail&rsquo;s unmatched Kentucky record, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown in the Rolex Stadium. Whether it's a rising star making their mark or a seasoned name reclaiming the spotlight, the Kentucky International promises edge-of-your-seat action from start to finish.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

CSI5* Kentucky International: The Stars Align in Lexington

<p><strong data-start="161" data-end="209">The Inside Kentucky Preview Show is out now.</strong><br data-start="209" data-end="212">Listen to the full episode <a href="https://eventingpodcast.libsyn.com/inside-kentucky-2025-the-preview-show">here</a>, or keep reading for our full recap packed with fast facts, sharp stats, and everything you need to know heading into Defender Kentucky 2025.</p>
<h2 class="" data-start="608" data-end="636">The Reign of Michael Jung (read our full blog on Michi&nbsp;<a href="https://news.equiratings.com/stories/jung-returns-to-kentucky" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>)</h2>
<p class="" data-start="638" data-end="998">Let&rsquo;s be clear: Michael Jung doesn&rsquo;t just win at Kentucky. He dominates. With five Kentucky titles to his name and 12 five-star wins overall, Jung has set the standard for modern eventing. This weekend, he returns to the Horse Park aboard f<em data-start="877" data-end="898">ischerChipmunk FRH</em>, a horse who&mdash;while not without quirks&mdash;has already proven capable of producing five-star brilliance.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1000" data-end="1285">fischerChipmunk FRH may not be flawless, but when he's on form, there's no one more formidable. He hasn&rsquo;t run since winning in Paris last summer, but Jung has always played the long game&mdash;and Kentucky is where he shines. The question isn&rsquo;t whether he can win. The question is: can anyone stop him?</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="" data-start="1289" data-end="1385">&ldquo;He&rsquo;s not flawless as a horse... but every part of me goes, &lsquo;No, I think he wins.&rsquo;&rdquo; &ndash; Sam Watson</p>
</blockquote>
<h2 class="" data-start="1387" data-end="1433">The Contenders: Who Can Challenge Chipmunk?</h2>
<h3 class="" data-start="1435" data-end="1472">Tim Price &ndash; The Multi-Weapon Kiwi</h3>
<p class="" data-start="1474" data-end="1862">Tim Price is bringing not one, but <strong data-start="1509" data-end="1518">three</strong> top contenders: <em data-start="1535" data-end="1542">Falco</em>, <em data-start="1544" data-end="1555">Happy Boy</em>, and <em data-start="1561" data-end="1570">Jarillo</em>. Falco, the individual bronze medalist at the 2022 World Championships, leads the charge. He&rsquo;s been consistent, experienced, and deadly accurate in show jumping. The concern? Speed over a demanding 11+ minute cross-country track. If the rain comes&mdash;and it's forecast to&mdash;he could lose ground.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1864" data-end="2028"><em data-start="1864" data-end="1875">Happy Boy</em>, the Blenheim winner, is Tim&rsquo;s dark horse. He&rsquo;s newer to five-star level but full of potential. Could this be the start of a dominant new era for Price?</p>
<h3 class="" data-start="2030" data-end="2067">Tom McEwen &ndash; Steely and Strategic</h3>
<p class="" data-start="2069" data-end="2416">World number one <em data-start="2086" data-end="2098">Tom McEwen</em> has opted to bring <em data-start="2118" data-end="2138">Brookfield Quality</em> to Kentucky, leaving <em data-start="2160" data-end="2171">JL Dublin</em> for Badminton. That decision alone shows the faith he has in this horse. <em data-start="360" data-end="380">Brookfield Quality</em> was third at Pau and has the scope to challenge, even if the Prediction Centre isn&rsquo;t fully sold on his five-star form just yet. With only two five-star completions&mdash;one retirement and one podium&mdash;he&rsquo;s still building that top-level track record. But don&rsquo;t count him out&mdash;McEwen&rsquo;s consistency is unmatched.</p>
<h3 class="" data-start="2418" data-end="2453">Boyd Martin &ndash; The American Hope (listen to our full Inside Kentucky episode with Boyd <a href="https://eventingpodcast.libsyn.com/inside-kentucky-boyd-martin-on-bringing-his-best-to-the-bluegrass" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>)</h3>
<p class="" data-start="2455" data-end="2813"><em data-start="2455" data-end="2468">Boyd Martin</em> arrives with a three-strong string, but the one most likely to deliver is <em data-start="2543" data-end="2555">Fedarman B</em>. This horse has placed in the top 10 at all of his five-star starts, and Boyd&rsquo;s made no secret about the intense fitness regime he&rsquo;s undertaken to improve his stamina. With show jumping prowess and proven pace, Fedarman B is the best shot for a U.S. podium.</p>
<blockquote data-start="2815" data-end="2940">
<p class="" data-start="2817" data-end="2940">&ldquo;If any horse can finish on their dressage score in the Horse Park this weekend, it&rsquo;s this one.&rdquo; &ndash; Sam Watson on Fedarman B</p>
</blockquote>
<p class="" data-start="2942" data-end="3044">His backup, <em data-start="2954" data-end="2966">Commando 3</em>, has raw talent and big potential, while <em data-start="3008" data-end="3018">Luke 140</em> adds veteran reliability.</p>
<h3 class="" data-start="3046" data-end="3065">Others to Watch</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li data-start="3069" data-end="3203"><strong data-start="3069" data-end="3101">Clark Johnstone &amp; Menlo Park</strong> &ndash; Exceptionally consistent and now stepping back up to five-star after strong four-star performances.</li>
<li data-start="3206" data-end="3335"><strong data-start="3206" data-end="3248">Calvin B&ouml;ckmann &amp; Phantom of the Opera</strong> &ndash; The German phenom returns to Kentucky older and wiser after a buzzy debut last year.</li>
<li data-start="3338" data-end="3458"><strong data-start="3338" data-end="3386">Harry Meade &amp; Grafennacht / Et Hop du Matz</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Two exciting mounts for a rider who knows how to peak under pressure.</li>
<li data-start="3461" data-end="3610"><strong data-start="3461" data-end="3502">Caroline Pamukcu &amp; HSH Double Sixteen</strong> &ndash; Fast, smart, and gritty. Don&rsquo;t be surprised if this Thoroughbred climbs the leaderboard on cross-country.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="" data-start="3612" data-end="3633">The Weather Factor</h2>
<p class="" data-start="3635" data-end="3985">Rain is expected on Friday&mdash;and that could change everything. With 14mm+ in the forecast, the going could shift from ideal to testing. Slippery turns, deeper footing, and higher fatigue levels all increase the chances for mistakes. On a course like Kentucky&rsquo;s, designed to reward brave riding, a few extra slips could turn the leaderboard upside down.</p>
<h2 class="" data-start="3987" data-end="4026">Dressage: More Influential Than Ever</h2>
<p class="" data-start="4028" data-end="4313">Unlike other five-stars like Burghley or Badminton, where cross-country often swings the outcome, <strong data-start="4126" data-end="4158">dressage is king at Kentucky</strong>. fischerChipmunk FRH has scored sub-20 here before. If he lays down another blistering test, it&rsquo;s up to the field to play catch-up over two days of serious pressure.</p>
<h2 class="" data-start="4315" data-end="4345">Sam &amp; Nicole&rsquo;s Podium Picks</h2>
<p class="" data-start="4347" data-end="4381">Here&rsquo;s where the predictions land.</p>
<p class="" data-start="4383" data-end="4407"><strong data-start="4383" data-end="4407">Sam Watson&rsquo;s Podium:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li data-start="4411" data-end="4449">Michael Jung &amp; f<em data-start="4426" data-end="4447">ischerChipmunk FRH</em></li>
<li data-start="4453" data-end="4488">Tom McEwen &amp; <em data-start="4466" data-end="4486">Brookfield Quality</em></li>
<li data-start="4492" data-end="4561">Boyd Martin &amp; <em data-start="4506" data-end="4518">Fedarman B</em><br data-start="4518" data-end="4521"><strong data-start="4521" data-end="4536">Dark Horse:</strong> James Alliston &amp; <em data-start="4554" data-end="4561">Karma</em></li>
</ol>
<p class="" data-start="4563" data-end="4589"><strong data-start="4563" data-end="4589">Nicole Brown&rsquo;s Podium:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li data-start="4593" data-end="4683">Michael Jung &amp; f<em data-start="4608" data-end="4629">ischerChipmunk FRH</em> (with a bold prediction: a sub-20 finishing score!)</li>
<li data-start="4687" data-end="4712">Tim Price &amp; <em data-start="4699" data-end="4710">Happy Boy</em></li>
<li data-start="4716" data-end="4785">Boyd Martin &amp; <em data-start="4730" data-end="4742">Commando 3</em><br data-start="4742" data-end="4745"><strong data-start="4745" data-end="4760">Dark Horse:</strong> James Alliston &amp; <em data-start="4778" data-end="4785">Karma</em></li>
</ol>
<h2 class="" data-start="4787" data-end="4808">The Bigger Picture</h2>
<p class="" data-start="4810" data-end="5049">This isn&rsquo;t just about Kentucky. With the 2026 World Championships and LA 2028 on the horizon, the depth of talent here hints at what&rsquo;s coming. For some, this is a proving ground. For others, it's a shot at cementing their place in history.</p>
<p class="" data-start="5056" data-end="5278"><strong data-start="5056" data-end="5160">Whether fischerChipmunk FRH makes it win number six, or a new name rises to the occasion, one thing is certain:</strong><br data-start="5160" data-end="5163">This weekend is what five-star eventing is all about&mdash;brilliance, unpredictability, and moments that define careers.</p>
<h2 class="" data-start="142" data-end="180">Bonus Round: The Four-Star Showdown</h2>
<p class="" data-start="182" data-end="457">While the five-star takes centre stage, the <em data-start="226" data-end="256"><em data-start="227" data-end="253">Cosequin&reg; Lexington CCI4</em>-S</em>* is quietly shaping up to be one of the most intriguing classes of the weekend. With Olympic horses, rising talent, and plenty of eyes from selectors, this division is absolutely worth your attention.</p>
<p class="" data-start="459" data-end="783">Leading the charge is <strong data-start="481" data-end="516">Caroline Pamukcu with HSH Blake</strong>, fresh off an Olympic campaign and already a proven performer at Kentucky, where they finished fifth last year. <strong data-start="627" data-end="662">Will Coleman and Off the Record</strong> bring a wealth of experience and success at this venue, and they&rsquo;ll be aiming to add another big result to their record.</p>
<p class="" data-start="785" data-end="819">Other key combinations to watch:</p>
<ul>
<li data-start="822" data-end="910"><strong data-start="822" data-end="851">Alyssa Phillips and Oskar</strong> &ndash; consistent, competitive, and coming in with solid form</li>
<li data-start="913" data-end="993"><strong data-start="913" data-end="938">Tamie Smith and Kynan</strong> &ndash; a promising pair with plenty of potential to climb</li>
<li data-start="996" data-end="1090"><strong data-start="996" data-end="1013">Phillip Dutton</strong> &ndash; lining up with both Possante and Deniro Z, and always a serious contender</li>
</ul>
<p class="" data-start="1092" data-end="1353">The time on cross-country is expected to play a big role again this year. Only five horses made it last year, and with some rain in the forecast, it could be even more influential. Expect it to be tight, tactical, and a great preview of future five-star talent.</p>
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<h3 class="" data-start="150" data-end="200">📣&nbsp;<strong data-start="157" data-end="200">Stay in the Loop on All Things Eventing</strong></h3>
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eventing equiratings Kentucky 2025 eventing podcast

Inside Kentucky 2025: The Preview Show

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p class="" data-start="1032" data-end="1452">The entries are in &mdash; and the five-star field is packed. <strong>Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH</strong> lead the headlines as the reigning Olympic champs return to Kentucky. But not everyone on the pod was fully won over. While his record is nearly untouchable, fischerChipmunk still seems to lack that emotional fan bond some past greats inspired &mdash; a sentiment echoed by several contributors. Still, respect for his quality is unanimous. He set the record winning score at CCI5* level here and a win would make it 5 for Michael at the venue.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="" data-start="1454" data-end="1872">Enter <strong>JL Dublin and Tom McEwen</strong>, the Gemma Redrup pick for redemption. Twice second at Kentucky, Dublin looks ready to finally claim his five-star crown. Strong in all three phases and heartbreakingly close last year, the team agreed: if anyone is poised to dethrone Chipmunk, it&rsquo;s Tom and Dublin. But don&rsquo;t sleep on <strong>Commando 3</strong>. Boyd Martin&rsquo;s rising star could give the U.S. a fairytale win if he delivers across the board.</p>
<p class="" data-start="1874" data-end="2222"><strong>Falco and Tim Price</strong>, as consistent as ever, are back. <strong>Harry Meade</strong> brings a string that could thrive if conditions turn tough. And U.S. talent is on the rise: Annie Bishop pointed out a wave of first-time five-star riders entering the spotlight, a huge sign of depth and future promise for American eventing.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2224" data-end="2568">And if the five-star wasn't enough, the four-star short is a headline-maker in its own right. <strong>Caroline Pamukcu a</strong>nd <strong>HSH Blake</strong> top the Prediction Center and could be building toward something even bigger: Aachen 2026. Watch for Hallie Coon and Cute Girl and a quietly strong group of up-and-comers ready to make noise.</p>
<p class="" data-start="2570" data-end="3002"><strong data-start="2570" data-end="2589">Call to Action:</strong><br data-start="2589" data-end="2592">This is shaping up to be one of the most exciting Kentuckys in recent memory &mdash; with Olympic champions, fan favorites, and future stars all in the mix. Want to see the full list of contenders? <br><br><a href="https://www.kentuckythreedayevent.com/eleven-olympians-from-six-nations-highlight-impressive-list-of-entries-for-2025-defender-kentucky-three-day-event-presented-by-mars-equestrian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out the official entry list on the Kentucky website</a> and <a href="https://pod.fo/e/2bf324">listen to the full Inside Kentucky podcast episode here</a>. The countdown is officially on.<br><br><br></p>
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Defender Kentucky