Inside Kentucky 2026: The Preview Show

Defender Kentucky might be one of the most iconic stops in the sport, but this year’s five-star feels wide open.

Nicole Brown is joined by Diarmuid Byrne and Annie Bishop, with Spike the Vet calling in from Heathrow on his way to Kentucky, to preview a field with only one previous winner, leaving the door open for there for someone new to step up. From Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality at the top of the market, to Boyd Martin and Commando 3 leading the US charge, to Will Coleman’s Diabolo bringing one of the most exciting profiles in the field, this is a line-up full of depth and questions.

There’s also a cameo from British Eventing Performance Manager Dickie Waygood, adding to the build-up as the team heads out, and giving a snapshot of just how much this week matters.

They look at how Kentucky might play out across all three phases, from the demands of Derek di Grazia’s cross-country track to the influence of show jumping on the final day, and where this year’s result could be decided.

Highlights

Spike the Vet calls in from Heathrow as the team travels out
A cameo from Dickie Waygood in the Kentucky build-up
Why this year’s Kentucky feels more open than recent renewals
Tom McEwen, Boyd Martin, and Will Coleman, the key contenders
Cross-country demands, time, and how the track might ride
Show jumping trends and what it could take to win

Guests

Diarmuid Byrne — EquiRatings Founder and Executive Director
Annie Bishop — US eventing analyst and regular contributor
Spike the Vet — FEI team vet with decades of championship experience
Dickie Waygood — British Eventing Performance Manager

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