Inside Kentucky: Building the #bestweekendallyear

March 22, 2024

Dive into the world of course design and building for the iconic Defender Kentucky with our first Inside Kentucky show of 2024.

This show offers a glimpse behind the scenes with Derek di Grazia, Jay Hambly, Mick Costello, Tyson Rementer, and Levi Ryckewaert, the masterminds crafting the challenges and beauty of the Kentucky cross-country course.


From the intricacies of terrain and the artistry of fence construction to the vital role of safety technologies and the meticulous preparation leading up to the event, join us as we explore the collaboration, creativity, and sheer hard work that goes into preparing for one of eventing's most prestigious events.

Guests:


Derek di Grazia: Derek, a competitor since 1968, began formally designing courses in 1986. In 2011, Derek embarked on his journey designing the LRK3DE course. Having won this competition in 1985, he brings a sense of understanding of the terrain. His course-building resume includes multiple distinguished courses including the Burghley Horse Trials and Tokyo Olympic course.


Jay Hambly: Jay has held the title of course builder for such events as the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, the 2013 Central American Games and the 2003 FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships.


Mick Costello: Mick started his work in course building when he was 13 years old. In 1969 he found himself working on a huge 3-day with a group of people he called “The Big Guys” which included Derek who at 14, helped Mick out during the last few weeks of that event. He moved to KY in 1998 where he started his work with the Kentucky Three-Day. Mick’s experience includes many great courses such as Fair Hill, Radnor and Pebble Beach in addition to the LRK3DE, now the K3DE.


Tyson Rementer: Tyson started building jumps at Pleasant Hollow Farms in Quakertown, PA. In exchange for lessons, board and entry fees, he would build jumps and other farm work including bailing hay, cleaning stalls, feeding and turnout. He settled into that role full-time in 2003.


Levi Ryckewaert: Levi has eventing in his blood. Growing up in Belgium he worked on a horse farm where his father was a three-day eventer and organizer. Course building began for Levi in 1993 and in 1999 he moved to England to work on the Badminton Horse Trials.


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Buy tickets to The Best Weekend All Year here!

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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