The Best Dressage Horses at Defender Kentucky 5*

Dressage might only be the first phase, but it sets the tone for the entire weekend — and at the Defender Kentucky 5*, starting strong is more than just a confidence boost. In the last decade, every single winner was inside the top 5 after dressage — except for one: Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent in 2024, who came from 8th to win. Before that? You’d have to go back to 2006 to find a winner who wasn’t already in striking distance by Friday night.

So yes — starting low often means finishing high on the leaderboard. The 6RA (six-run average) reflects the average score of a horse’s last six international dressage tests, giving us a data-backed glimpse at who’s most likely to set the standard down the centreline.

Here are the top 10 dressage horses in the 5* field this year, ranked by 6RA — with their test times, so you don’t miss a moment.

🥇 fischerChipmunk FRH & Michael Jung

Top 6RA in the Field – 6RA: 20.9

The benchmark. This combination posted a record-breaking 20.1 here in 2022, and three years later, he still holds the lowest dressage average in the field. His most recent score? A 17.8 at the Paris Olympics. When fischerChipmunk FRH enters the ring, everyone pays attention — and most are playing catch-up.

📅 Thursday | 🕑 2:18 PM EST

🥈 Brookfield Quality & Tom McEwen

Second-Best 6RA – 6RA: 26.6

A sharp mover with serious scores behind him. His 6RA puts him ahead of several better-known contenders — and this isn’t new ground for McEwen. On his two previous trips stateside, he posted scores of 22.6 and 24.6 (JL Dublin), proving he knows how to deliver early in Kentucky.

📅 Friday | 🕑 3:06 PM EST

🥉 Commando 3 & Boyd Martin

Third-Best 6RA – 6RA: 26.9

This is the horse that could lead the U.S. charge after the first phase. Commando 3 is reliable, flashy, and trending up — back for his second five-star after a tough first outing at Maryland, and ready to show what he's really made of. A strong Friday test could launch a serious challenge.

📅 Friday | 🕑 3:34 PM EST

4. Menlo Park & Clarke Johnstone

6RA: 27.4

Smooth and consistent, Menlo Park brings international polish to Kentucky. This combination is well-positioned to post a sub-30 score — and on a good day, they’re one of the few with the potential to dip into the low 20s.

📅 Thursday | 🕑 2:26 PM EST

5. Dyri & Lucienne Bellissimo

6RA: 27.5

Elegant, accurate, and still gaining attention — Dyri 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.

📅 Friday | 🕑 3:38 PM EST

6. Grafennacht & Harry Meade

6RA: 28.2

Grafennacht brings power and presence — and her first phase could put Harry Meade in a strong position to fight for the title. If EquiRatings’ Diarm Byrne has anything to say about it, Harry will win a five-star this year. Is Grafennacht the horse he does it with?

📅 Friday | 🕑 3:46 PM EST

7. Falco & Tim Price

6RA: 28.6

A proven 5* horse with experience under pressure, Falco leads a serious three-horse campaign for Tim Price — 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. Falco, the most seasoned of the trio, could be the one to lead them out front. This combination has scored as low as 22.5 at 5* level (Pau 2021) — and could land near the top again.

📅 Friday | 🕑 3:42 PM EST

8. Jarillo & Tim Price

6RA: 29.0

Happy Boy might be less experienced than Falco, but he’s trending well. Watch for a stylish test with potential to surprise. 

📅 Thursday | 🕑 2:34 PM EST

9. Jarillo & Tim Price

6RA: 29.3

Tim’s first ride of the week — and a horse who can set a strong tone. While not as experienced as his stablemates, Jarillo 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 Pau in 2024.

📅 Thursday | 🕐 1:30 PM EST

10. Luke 140 & Boyd Martin

6RA: 29.4

Luke 140 is a strong contender, despite missing last season. Tricky but talented, he brings quality to Boyd’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.

📅 Friday | 🕐 1:00 PM EST

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