Eleven Olympians from Six Nations Highlight Impressive List of Entries for 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™

March 27, 2025

Entries Feature Six of the World’s Top 12 Eventing Riders, Athletes from Seven Countries

Six of the world’s top 12 eventing riders, including World #1 Tom McEwen (GBR) and World #2 Tim Price (NZL), head an impressive list of entries for the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™. The event will feature 11 Olympians and athletes from seven countries when it returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 24-27.

 

Produced by Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), a non-profit, charitable organization that supports the development of equestrian sports by staging sporting events at the highest level, the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian features one of only seven annual 5* three-day events in the world. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the event annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences and a wide array of demonstrations. In addition to the traditional CCI5*-L, the event also features the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S and the Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.

McEwen, a two-time British Olympic team gold medalist and current World #1, has his sights set on the top of the Kentucky podium after finishing second in both 2023 and 2024 with his talented mount, JL Dublin. “Dubs” will be making his return for the third consecutive year alongside McEwen’s other entry, Brookfield Quality.

 

Also vying for the win are international veterans Tim Price, World #2, and his wife, Jonelle Price, who were the first husband-and-wife team to represent New Zealand at the Olympics. They were teammates on three consecutive teams (2016, 2021, 2024). Jonelle also rode on the Olympic team in 2012. They are joined at Kentucky by World #7 Harry Meade (GBR); World #10 Boyd Martin (USA), a four-time Olympian; World #11 Lara De Liedekerke-Meier (BEL), a two-time Olympian; and World #12 Michael Jung (GER), a four-time Olympian and four-time Kentucky champion. Jung is entered with his 2024 Olympic Gold Medal partner, fischerChipmunk FRH, who helped him secure his fourth victory in Kentucky in 2022. Jung also won at Kentucky in 2015, 2016, and 2017.


In addition to Martin, the star-studded U.S. contingent includes 2016 Olympian Lauren Nicholson, 2024 Olympian Caroline Pamukcu, and seven-time Olympian Phillip Dutton, whose horses are entered in the Cosequin® Lexington 4*. Dutton won the Kentucky title in 2008.

 

Other Olympians entered to compete include two-time Olympic veteran Clarke Johnstone of New Zealand and three-time Olympic veteran Jessica Phoenix of Canada.

 

The full list of CCI5*-L entries can be found at Entry Lists. 

Inside Kentucky: The Kentucky Review Show

April 29, 2025
The first five-star of the year is done and dusted — and Michael Jung has officially made history. In this episode, Nicole Brown is joined by Diarmuid Byrne and Annie Bishop to break down all the big stories from the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Mickey’s record fifth Kentucky title, Boyd Martin’s epic weekend with three in the top seven, Harry Meade’s masterclass across the country, and a few warm and fuzzy moments that reminded us why we love this sport. From dressage dominance to that one early rail that gave us 15 seconds of jeopardy, they cover it all — plus, they take a look at the shifting US eventing landscape, future stars to watch, and why Kentucky just hits differently. Whether you were there soaking it in or following from home, this is your full wrap-up of an unforgettable weekend. Highlights : Michael Jung's historic fifth Kentucky win with fischerChipmunk FRH Boyd Martin's standout performance with three horses inside the top seven Harry Meade’s cross-country masterclass and a big weekend for Et Hop du Matz and Graffenacht Big moments for the US eventing team — and where the strength lies heading into a massive year Future stars to watch (including a few who might just steal the show in 2026 and beyond) Guests : Nicole Brown — Our host for the show, keeping the conversation moving with expert insights and all the key moments you need to know. Diarmuid Byrne — EquiRatings co-founder, bringing sharp analysis, big-picture context, and a look at what it all means for the world rankings. Annie Bishop — US eventing insider and producer, offering standout stories, and plenty of inside scoop from the heart of the action. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Catch up on all of our Inside Kentucky episodes wherever you get your podcasts.

Jung takes his fifth title at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™

April 27, 2025
Lexington, Ky., April 27, 2025 — Germany’s Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH cantered into Sunday’s show jumping test at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ (K3DE) with 11.8 faults in hand over their fellow competitors. Though they dropped one rail on course, they still had enough cushion to finish comfortably in first and secure Jung’s fifth Kentucky victory with a score of 25.0. World #10 Boyd Martin (USA) chased Jung the whole way, finishing his stellar weekend in second place with Commando 3 (32.8), sixth with Fedarman B (40.6), and seventh with Luke 140 (44.7). World #4 Harry Meade (GBR) finished third and fourth with Et Hop Du Matz (34.2) and Grafennacht (39.6), respectively. Et Hop Du Matz was the only horse to complete the weekend on his dressage score. Produced by Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), a non-profit, charitable organization that supports the development of equestrian sports by staging sporting events at the highest level, the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian features one of only seven annual 5* three-day events in the world. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the event annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences and a wide array of demonstrations. In addition to the traditional CCI5*-L, the event also features the Cosequin ® Lexington 4* and the Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.
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