Inside Kentucky 2025: The Preview Show
The 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event has landed—and it’s loaded. Olympic legends, rising stars, and five-star stalwarts are all converging at the Kentucky Horse Park for a showdown that could shake up the world rankings and rewrite the eventing history books. Buckle up—this one’s going to be big.
The Inside Kentucky Preview Show is out now.
Listen to the full episode here, or keep reading for our full recap packed with fast facts, sharp stats, and everything you need to know heading into Defender Kentucky 2025.
The Reign of Michael Jung (read our full blog on Michi here)
Let’s be clear: Michael Jung doesn’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 fischerChipmunk FRH, a horse who—while not without quirks—has already proven capable of producing five-star brilliance.
fischerChipmunk FRH may not be flawless, but when he's on form, there's no one more formidable. He hasn’t run since winning in Paris last summer, but Jung has always played the long game—and Kentucky is where he shines. The question isn’t whether he can win. The question is: can anyone stop him?
“He’s not flawless as a horse... but every part of me goes, ‘No, I think he wins.’” – Sam Watson
The Contenders: Who Can Challenge Chipmunk?
Tim Price – The Multi-Weapon Kiwi
Tim Price is bringing not one, but three top contenders: Falco, Happy Boy, and Jarillo. Falco, the individual bronze medalist at the 2022 World Championships, leads the charge. He’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—and it's forecast to—he could lose ground.
Happy Boy, the Blenheim winner, is Tim’s dark horse. He’s newer to five-star level but full of potential. Could this be the start of a dominant new era for Price?
Tom McEwen – Steely and Strategic
World number one Tom McEwen has opted to bring Brookfield Quality to Kentucky, leaving JL Dublin for Badminton. That decision alone shows the faith he has in this horse. Brookfield Quality was third at Pau and has the scope to challenge, even if the Prediction Centre isn’t fully sold on his five-star form just yet. With only two five-star completions—one retirement and one podium—he’s still building that top-level track record. But don’t count him out—McEwen’s consistency is unmatched.
Boyd Martin – The American Hope (listen to our full Inside Kentucky episode with Boyd here)
Boyd Martin arrives with a three-strong string, but the one most likely to deliver is Fedarman B. This horse has placed in the top 10 at all of his five-star starts, and Boyd’s made no secret about the intense fitness regime he’s undertaken to improve his stamina. With show jumping prowess and proven pace, Fedarman B is the best shot for a U.S. podium.
“If any horse can finish on their dressage score in the Horse Park this weekend, it’s this one.” – Sam Watson on Fedarman B
His backup, Commando 3, has raw talent and big potential, while Luke 140 adds veteran reliability.
Others to Watch
- Clark Johnstone & Menlo Park – Exceptionally consistent and now stepping back up to five-star after strong four-star performances.
- Calvin Böckmann & Phantom of the Opera – The German phenom returns to Kentucky older and wiser after a buzzy debut last year.
- Harry Meade & Grafennacht / Et Hop du Matz – Two exciting mounts for a rider who knows how to peak under pressure.
- Caroline Pamukcu & HSH Double Sixteen – Fast, smart, and gritty. Don’t be surprised if this Thoroughbred climbs the leaderboard on cross-country.
The Weather Factor
Rain is expected on Friday—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’s, designed to reward brave riding, a few extra slips could turn the leaderboard upside down.
Dressage: More Influential Than Ever
Unlike other five-stars like Burghley or Badminton, where cross-country often swings the outcome, dressage is king at Kentucky. fischerChipmunk FRH has scored sub-20 here before. If he lays down another blistering test, it’s up to the field to play catch-up over two days of serious pressure.
Sam & Nicole’s Podium Picks
Here’s where the predictions land.
Sam Watson’s Podium:
- Michael Jung & fischerChipmunk FRH
- Tom McEwen & Brookfield Quality
- Boyd Martin & Fedarman B
Dark Horse: James Alliston & Karma
Nicole Brown’s Podium:
- Michael Jung & fischerChipmunk FRH (with a bold prediction: a sub-20 finishing score!)
- Tim Price & Happy Boy
- Boyd Martin & Commando 3
Dark Horse: James Alliston & Karma
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about Kentucky. With the 2026 World Championships and LA 2028 on the horizon, the depth of talent here hints at what’s coming. For some, this is a proving ground. For others, it's a shot at cementing their place in history.
Whether fischerChipmunk FRH makes it win number six, or a new name rises to the occasion, one thing is certain:
This weekend is what five-star eventing is all about—brilliance, unpredictability, and moments that define careers.
Bonus Round: The Four-Star Showdown
While the five-star takes centre stage, the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4-S* 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.
Leading the charge is Caroline Pamukcu with HSH Blake, fresh off an Olympic campaign and already a proven performer at Kentucky, where they finished fifth last year. Will Coleman and Off the Record bring a wealth of experience and success at this venue, and they’ll be aiming to add another big result to their record.
Other key combinations to watch:
- Alyssa Phillips and Oskar – consistent, competitive, and coming in with solid form
- Tamie Smith and Kynan – a promising pair with plenty of potential to climb
- Phillip Dutton – lining up with both Possante and Deniro Z, and always a serious contender
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.
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