Classic Eventing Nation

A kinda ominous fish family oversee the question at MARS Sustainability Bay 👀 Photo via CrossCountryApp.

Here. We. Go. It’s the best bit of the best day at the Best Weekend All Year – it’s time for the 5* cross country to kick off and boy is it going to be great!

The dressage may have given us a leaderboard as we head into today’s sport, but – say it with me now – eventing’s not a dressage competition. Or is it? With Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH 7.6 points ahead of the chasing pack, he’s going to take some beating. But this is a quality field and eventing’s nothing if not unpredictable. Watch this space…

Here’s a quick look at how things stand at the top of the leaderboard after the first phase:

1️⃣ 🇩🇪 As we’re all pretty aware by now, sitting in top spot as we head into today’s cross country is Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk on a score of 18.6.

2️⃣ 🇺🇲 Chasing them down in second spot is Boyd Martin and Commando 3, who are leading the USEF National 5* Championship on a score of 26.

3️⃣ 🇬🇧 Rounding out the top three is Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality, just 0.2 behind Boyd on a score of 26.2.

The action’s due to get underway at 1:30pm EST / 7:30pm CEST when Kiwi eventer extraordinaire and World No. 2 Tim Price will fly out of the startbox with Jarillo and trailblaze his way ‘round Derek’s course, presumably showing us all how it should be done. Honestly, there’s no better pathfinder for the rest of the competitors, who’ll be glued to the screens in the riders’ tent, that’s for sure.

There’s some big guns coming up early doors, the likes of Boyd Martin with the first of his three rides Fedarman B, who will be chasing Tim down as they blaze ‘round the track, and dressage leader, German legend Michael Jung with the reigning Olympic champion fischerChipmunk FRH, who’s set to go at 2:18pm EST / 8:18pm CEST. Eyes on for Corvett Airlines too, who’ll be winging his way ‘round after Boyd – ‘Barry’ sure does like to give those fences some air, be prepared for plenty of ooo and ahhh moments as he and Emily Hamel make their way around the course.

And don’t even think about going anywhere or doing any ‘real-lifeing’ this afternoon, because there’s quality throughout the field and you won’t want to miss a single trick. Currently in third place, World No. 1 Tom McEwen’s been second at Kentucky twice, he’ll be hoping to step up a place – or two – when he leaves the start box with Brookfield Quality later on today. And the excitement will play out right through to the end, with both Tim and Boyd having their third rides of the day, on EquiRatings’ second-favorite for the win Falco and EN’s team pick, currently sitting in second, Commando 3 respectively. Harry Meade is an interesting one also in the mix towards the end of proceedings; he brings Grafennacht forward for their first 5* together after taking over the irons from William Fox-Pitt on his retirement from the top level last season. The mare is one of the fastest cross country horses in the field so there’s every possibility of a late shake up to the standings, despite a less than ideal start to their competition.

You’ll find the ride times for all of the 5* competitors right here.

If you want to follow along with the form as things proceed, you’re in need of EN’s new-look Form Guide – here you go – and you can keep track with the scores via the live leaderboard here.

As you know, here at EN we are never happier than when we’re tapping furiously away at our keyboards, facing the real risk of repetitive strain injury in order to deliver the goods to you, fellow eventing nerds, leaving no turf unturned in our quest to keep you up-to-date with every scrap of info, fun, crazy, weird, wild and wonderful that Defender Kentucky so kindly gifts to us. You’ll find all the fruits of our labor right here. And that’s not all because we’re nothing if not generous in sharing our crazy. There’s also super fun behind-the-scenes shenanigans going on over on our Instagram channel @goeventing – follow along and get involved here.

Whilst we await the first 5* countdown of the competition, here’s some links for your perusal:

▶️ Dressage Day One – Test-by-test Analysis
▶️ Dressage Day One – Full Report
▶️ Dressage Day Two – Test-by-test Analysis
▶️ Dressage Day Two – Full Report
▶️ Course Map
▶️ EN’s Cross Country Preview

Before we head out on course, a little ‘refresher’ on the no. 1 rule of following EN’s classic live blog: refresh, refresh, refresh – and all will be revealed.

If you’re catching up with this later and are the type to like things in order, scroll ⬇️ and read ⬆️. If going backwards is more your jam, have at it.

Have a good ride, and go eventing!

Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]

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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

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4:45pm

SUMMARY OF THE DAY’S SPORT

EN’s classic full round-up report will be with you just as soon as riders have been wrangled, adrenaline surges have settled, the stars have started to fade from the ground team’s eyes, and Chinch has showed up to actually pitch in rather than gallivanting ‘round in his backpack enjoying all the fangirling that’s inevitable when the infamous little dude is in town. You thought the dressage reports were jam-packed. Well, editing the cross country report is as badass as the course itself. Rest assured, superhumans and an ego-inflated chinchilla are on the case and it’ll be with you as soon as they can make that possible. Eyes on the website for that landing in the near future.

Until then, here’s a quick re-cap of all the awesomeness of the day…

1️⃣ 🇩🇪 Out in front going into the final phase is Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH They added 2.4 time penalties and are siting pretty with plenty in hand on a score of 21.

2️⃣ 🇺🇸 Securing second spot is Boyd Martin and Commando 3 who are leading the USEF National 5* Championship. They added 6.8 and are on a score of 32.8.

3️⃣ 🇬🇧 With two excellent rounds inside the time, Harry Meade sits in third with Et Hop Du Matz on a score of 34.2. He’s in fourth with Grafennacht on a score of 35.2

You’ll find the full leaderboard right here.

But eventing is about so, so much more than the leaderboard. Sure, we’re all invested in the story unfolding that’ll culminate in the Kentucky crown, but there are many tales to tell after an exciting day out in the Horse Park. Here’s some of them:

⚡ Faster than Usain Bolt – Harry Meade was the only one to make the time and he did the double, beating the clock with both of his rides. The whizz kid of eventing sure made his presence known in the bluegrass…

🪜 Those quick clears shot Harry up the leaderboard, climbing 14 places with each of his horses. Emily Hamel and Corvett (Airlines) ✈️ also clawed their way up the scoreboard. They started out in 23rd after the dressage and go into the show jumping in 10th place after adding 10.8 time which took their score to 49.4.

😮 ‘Save of the Day’ came courtesy of Libussa Lübbeke who had a real moment at the Rolex Crossing at 12 with Caramia 34. She was basically horizontal at one point. But she hung on tight and continued on to finish clear with 22 time penalties in 9th position going into tomorrow.

💔 There was heartbreak for World No. 2 Tim Price and his longtime partner and previous 5* winner Falco when they had a late 20 at the Cosequin Cove at 22c. They had been sitting in 5th after the dressage but dropped down to 15th after adding those jumping penalties and 12.8 time to finish up on a score of 60.6. Another really disappointing day came via Jennie Brannigan when she had a 20 with FE Lifestyle at the Rolex Crossing at 12c, opting to put her hand up before Pete’s Hollow at 14. She had been in two minds over whether she would run at Kentucky, having an entry at Badminton in a couple weeks time. The pair were going beautifully up to that point. A real shame.

💖 Super Special Moment – On a more positive note, the most heartwarming sight of the day had to be Shannon Lilley’s team celebrating her and Eindhoven Garette crossing the finish line 🥳 They had an excellent clear and steady jumping round. It’s so important to remember what an awesome achievement completing a 5* cross country is, and this was a lovely reminder of that. They sit in 19th on a score of 70.6 going into the final day.

⛔ Imperio Magic said a big ‘Nuh uh’ at the drop off the bank at fence 15a with Mary Bess Davis. They’d been really traveling and the horse was very happy to jump, but stop and drop down, not so much. It was 20 for the steps back but she came back around and Imperio Magic popped off the second time of asking. They’re now on a score of 75 in 21st place.

🃏 Feelin’ Wild – Well the wild card for sure goes to Calvin Böckmann and The Phantom of the Opera. Boy that boy’s a quick rider. A little hairy at times, to be honest. They had a real moment coming out of Pete’s Hollow at 14 when it looked like Phantom may not manage to right himself, but then we saw him galloping away, quick as the wind. All that bravery culminated in a late flag penalty at the triple brush in the water at Cosequin Cove at 22b. There’s no doubting Phantom’s enthusiasm for the job, that’s for sure. They finished with those 15 penalties plus 10 time penalties in =13th on a score of 55.2.

🦆 Oh Duck! And sadly for Matt Brown, I do get to use my duck pun (so punny 😆). They got a big one into the Defender Head of the Lake at 18 but looked to have held it together, only for pull of the water to take Alderwood’s pace away too quickly and the pair had a bit of a ducking. No harm done, just some soggy breeches.

Keep it locked onto EN for the full report coming your way and join me back with the live blog tomorrow, when I’ll bring you the culmination of the 5* competition and we’ll find out who takes the Kentucky crown. Don’t miss it!

It’s been the best day. Go eventing!

Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]

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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

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4:07pm

And so that’s that. Cross country day at Defender Kentucky has drawn to a close and we have ourselves a leaderboard going into tomorrow’s finale.

1️⃣ 🇩🇪 Still leading the pack is Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH who had a smashing ride, clear with 2.4 penalties. They’re on a score of 21.

2️⃣ 🇺🇸 Chasing the top spot is Boyd Martin and Commando 3. They added 6.8 time penalties and sit on a score of 32.8.

3️⃣ 🇬🇧 Harry Meade is in 3rd and 4th with Et Hop Du Matz on a score of 34.2 and Grafennacht on a score of 35.2. Both rounds clear inside the time. The only one to manage that feat today and Harry did it twice.

You’ll find the full leaderboard right here.

Stay tuned (and don’t forget to hit refresh) for a summary of the day’s sport headed your way right here on the live blog and keep it locked onto the website for EN’s classic full report – coming soon.

I’ll be back live blogging tomorrow for the culmination of the 5* competition, which is set to get underway at 3pm EST / 9pm CEST. Who will take the Kentucky crown? Not much longer to wait now ‘til all is revealed.

Eyes on EN for everything Kentucky.

A large drink beckons after all that blogging… Go eventing!

Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]

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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

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3:51pm

🇺🇸 FINAL COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Boyd Martin and Commando 3

Dressage Score: 26
Place: 2

Boyd’s going commando! Eyes on 🫣 He’s currently sitting pretty in second spot. Will he stay there? Can he hang onto his pants? He’s leading the USEF National 5* Championship, which is running simultaneously to the 5*. He’s doing it for the US and would undoubtedly be a popular winner in the Horse Park. C’mon Boyd… C’mon Connor…

What a treat to have these three on course at once – Tim, Harry and Boyd. What a riding lesson we’re having.

Connor looks to be relishing the challenge. They step over the a element into the Rolex Crossing and Boyd has to make it happen as they continue through that combination at 12. Boyd sees a distance a mile out at Pete’s Hollow. He’s elbows up and riding by the seat of his pants. Connor’s confident off the drop at 15 and they make it look easy through the two angled cabins at b and c. Boyd picks the longer route at Defender Head of the Lake at 18 but takes no time doing so. They’re eating up the ground and hunting down home. Boyd doesn’t look in a rush though. It’s all so smooth. Connor looks full of run as he comes up the hill. Boyd lives dangerously at the brush coming out of the Normandy Bank fence at 20. They squeak on through. They’re efficient over the corgi at 22 and the cheers are enormous as they splash on through the water. The time’s got away from him a little though. He comes round towards the last few fences. The Mighty Moguls next – and he’s through. Just two to go. They take the fallen log at 26 in their stride and take the last in style. Boyd’s patting Connor as they cross the line. Clear jumping, 6.8 time penalties. How does that leave things? We’ll see in a sec…

Time’s looking good for Tim and Falco, they’re around 8 seconds up on their markers. Everything’s so effortless. They’re clear through 21. Oh no! A really late 20 comes for them at 22c. They don’t quite make the turn to the second triple brush. What a disappointment for them. They were going so very beautifully. Ah, eventing is a cruel b**** sometimes.

Harry’s having a great ride with Grafennacht. They’re up at the drop at 15. No bother there. They take a stride out between the two cabins at b and c. Saving every second. They need those seconds at the Head of the Lake where Harry goes the slightly longer route. He’s well up on the clock regardless. Harry’s looking at potentially sitting 3rd and 4th after this. He’s had a huge leaderboard climb with his first ride Et Hop Du Matz after going double clear. They make their way homeward and are quick through the Mighty Moguls. Will he make the time? He’s over the fallen tree at 26. He comes to the Lucky Horseshoe and takes a pull. He checks his watch as he crosses the line. Clear inside the time!!! He’s done it again. Perfection.

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3:48PM

🇬🇧 PENULTIMATE COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Harry Meade and Grafennacht

Dressage Score: 35.2
Place: 18

We’re into the final three combinations to go in this year’s Kentucky 5* cross country and it’s an interesting one. Enter Mr Meade with former William Fox-Pitt ride, Grafennacht. What will this new pairing make of things out there? This is a quick mare, amongst the fastest in the field according to EquiRatings. Look sharp 👀

Ooh, Grafennacht is raring to go and leaps out of the start box! She’s well looking forward to her time out on the track. Harry’s the only one inside the time today, which he did with his first ride Et Hop Du Matz, so he’s well placed for a great ride as he goes around again, this time with ‘Lillie’. They’re quickly clear through fence 9.

Ema’s now finished with Bronte Beach, a clear but steady round for them.

Tim and Falco are having a textbook round. They’re clear and easy through Pete’s Hollow at 14. We see them head smoothly and cleanly through the Head of the Lake at 18. Straight through there for them. Easy as pie.

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3:44pm

🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Tim Price and Falco

Dressage Score: 27.8
Place: 5

Tim had a little stumble coming into the ditch at 6b and Tim pitches forward but Falco pops him back into the tack like the pro he is and they waste not a second there. What a partnership. Very cool.

Lucienne has picked up another 20 at fence 8 and has called it a day at fence 10. One of those days for them, unfortunately.

Meanwhile Ema is still going strong and is clear through fence 23.

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3:39pm

🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri

Dressage Score: 33.7
Place: 15

Unfortunately Lucienne has an early 20, at the c element of 6. That’s a real shame for them. They just kind of don’t make it and slide on by. They quickly go onto the alternative and then carry on clear through the next fence.

Oh duck! Alderwood takes an enormous leap over the log at the Defender Head of the Lake. It looks as though he and Matt are going to ride it out but no. The horse keeps traveling and the pull of the water is too much. Matt comes off and has an early bath. Both look to be absolutely fine, if wet. They walk on out of the lake. That’s a real shame in what looked like a really fun round.

Meanwhile Ema’s giving it large and is clear through fence 19.

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3:30pm

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Matthew Brown and Alderwood

Dressage Score: 41
Place: 30

EquiRatings have this guy down as the third-most reliable cross country horse in the field, with a 💯 clear jumping rate from 12 international runs. We see him set off and pop the massive table at 2 before heading out on course. Have a great ride!

Mary Bess is neat and tidy through the Normandy Bank fence at 20. We see them through the doggy playground at 22. Imperio Magic uses all his scope at the triple brush at b and they make the bending line to the c element. Nearly home now for them. They come through the flags with that 20 and some time.

Meanwhile Bec and Caravaggio have come home with that 20 penalties and some time.

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3:35pm

🇦🇺 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Ema Klugman and Bronte Beach Z

Dressage Score: 39.6
Place: 25

We’re into the final five combinations left to go now.

Ema’s clear through the coffin complex at 6, which she navigates so neatly. Easy for them. They rock the back rail of the triple bar at 7 as they fly on through. It stays firmly up though. The open corners at 9 come up well for them and they look to be having a really confident start to their round.

Mary Bess has now finished with those annoying 20 penalties at the drop fence.

Woah, Matt’s at the end of his rein as he leaps over the enormous ditch brush at 10. They take the angled hedge and then are clean and tidy through the Rolex Crossing at 12. Really confident.

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3:30pm

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic

Dressage Score: 39.8
Place: =27

Mary Bess is clear through the coffin complex at 6 as the feed focuses on Bec and Caravaggio. We pick up Mary Bess through Pete’s Hollow at 14. A lovely ride through there. But oh no. Imperio Magic isn’t having any of the drop at 15. There are steps back for a 20 and Mary Bess has to come back round. Easy the second time though.

Bec pecks on landing at the roll top on the way into the Rolex Crossing at 12. Bec sits tight. She’ll want Caravaggio a bit more on it as they continue on their way. We see them through the Head of the Lake at 18 and they have a beautiful ride through there. Ah, after going so well Bec has problems at the Normandy Bank at 20, picking those up at the c element there.

Shannon’s now finished to an ecstatic support team. It’s cool we got to see that. A lovely sight. A 5* finish – clear jumping. Plenty of time but what an achievement to jump clear round Kentucky.

Update on Tim Price: He’s showing as complete with Happy Boy. We didn’t get to see him again after he was stopped for the vet check.

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3:22pm

🇦🇺 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Rebecca Braitling and Caravaggio II

Dressage Score: 40.2
Place: 29

Caravaggio really shows his scope over the triple bar at 7. Boy! Bec’ll hope he reins it in a little. He’s neat over the white gate at 8.

Shannon is nearing home now. She’s clear to the Mighty Moguls at 25.

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3:16pm

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Shannon Lilley and Eindhoven Garette

Dressage Score: 39.8
Place: =27

We’re into the final ten to go.

The live feed’s focused on Tom but Shannon’s clear through fence 9.

Tom and Norris are still going really well, clear through Pete’s Hollow at 14, almost halfway round. He’s saving every second he can. He looks good on the clock. He comes to the Defender Head of the Lake at 18. He brings Norris back to make sure he gets his stride to the corner in the water. The flag goes there as they drift slightly in the air. He decides to go long but makes quick work of it. He jumps through the Mighty Moguls and puts his head down as he pushes for home. He takes a pull into the Lucky Horseshoe and he drives to the finish flags. Clear with 10.4 time.

We see Cooley Space Grey having a nice pat as he gallops between fences. Brooke’s been taking some long routes and they’re having an educational confidence-building round. They cross the line with that 20 and some time.

There’s a little gap before the next competitor as Caroline Pamukcu has withdrawn She’s The One. Apologies, I think I mistakenly said she’d withdrawn HSH Double Sixteen earlier.

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3:13pm

🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality

Dressage Score: 26.2
Place: 3

Tom and ‘Norris’ are heading out of the start box in third place after a very polished performance between the white boards. They have a real leap over the ditch at the b element of 6 and Norris lands on all four feet but Tom’s so balanced he doesn’t move and they’re actually quick through there.

Brooke has picked up a 20 at the highest point in the course at Pete’s Hollow at 14c.

Cassie is on her way home now and crosses the line carrying a potential flag penalty.

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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

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3:08pm

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Brooke Burchianti and Cooley Space Grey

Dressage Score: 46.3
Place: 34

We see them have a sticky ride through the coffin complex at c – a bit stop start and up in the air. Hopefully they’ll settle in quickly.

Cassie is now clear t0 fence 20, the Normandy Bank, but a flag question pops up at the c element. We’re not seeing much of her though.

Katherine’s now over the line carrying 20 and some time.

Monica has a big grin on her face as she comes to the last. They’re over the line. Clear jumping and 31 seconds over. They lost a bit of time near the end of the course.

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3:02pm

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre

Dressage Score: 38.6
Place: =23

‘Yogi’ is the most reliable cross country horse in the field, according to EquiRatings, with nary a jumping penalty in 19 international runs. They’re really smooth as they start out their course and are clear through fence 9.

Monica is flying on her Thoroughbred Artist. Blink and you’ll literally miss them. They’re clear through the EEI Root Cellar at 15. Totally flying and looking confident and meaning business. There’s the opportunity for them to climb the leaderboard here. They get a great shot into the Head of the Lake and then squeak a tight turn into the corner at c on two strides.

Katherine’s nearing the end of her round now. We see her through 22 and it’s looking a bit tricky. Monbeg Senna trips slightly coming out of the water and then takes a huge jump over the triple brush at b. Katherine’s on the buckle steering to the c element and they take it right across the diagonal. That’s a horse hunting out the flags.

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2:57pm

🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Monica Spencer and Artist

Dressage Score: 29.3
Place: 10

Monica’s quickly clear through fence 11. We don’t get to see her though, sadly.

Katherine’s had a problem at the Rolex Crossing, picking up 20 at the b element in the water. They continue on though.

Libussa decides to go long at the Normandy Bank and not take on the bounce. Caramia leaves a bit of a leg over the corgi at 22a and Libussa’s pitched forward. They climb over that a little. The mare is looking a bit tired but Libussa’s taken her foot off the gas. She started out real excited and is feeling that now. They cross the line a fair bit over the time. But the horse looks great at the end. High-fives all round.

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🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna

2:56pm

Dressage Score: 38.2
Place: 22

We don’t get to see Katherine start her round but we catch her at the big triple bar at 7 and gallop on by.

Libussa makes things happen at through the angled cabins at 15. Smart work there.

Meanwhile, Boyd has crossed the finish line with Luke. Clear jumping but steady.

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2:49pm

🇩🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Libussa Lübbeke and Caramia 34

Dressage Score: 27.1
Place: 4

Libussa is really riding well at the start of her round, helping her horse out and encouraging her forward. They’re clear through fence 10. She has the save of the day at the Rolex Crossing! Wow, she’s horizontal on her hors but scrapes her way back into the tack and continues on. Great job.

Harry takes the Stairway Table at 22 in Et Hop Du Matz’s stride and then makes the water at 22 look easy. He’s really ridden a smooth round. So smooth. And we all know. Smooth = quick. They’re inside the time! The only one thus far.

Meanwhile Boyd and Luke are clear through the Rolex Crossing at 12. We next see them through the Head of the Lake at 18. There are some conversations going on between the two.

UPDATE ON TIM PRICE AND HAPPY BOY: They were pulled up at 22 for the horse to be examined by the veterinary team for suspected blood. It was found to be purely precautionary. Tim will now be restarted and his stopped time taken away from his final time.

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2:36pm

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Boyd Martin and Luke 140

Dressage Score: 27.9
Place: 6

They keep Luke quiet at the start box and then he’s off, flying over the first. We see him jump through the Care Credit Question at 6 and fly through there.

Harry comes into the Rolex Crossing at 12 and makes light work of that. Harry jumps across the jumps at Pete’s Hollow at 14, giving his horse time to see what’s going on. Lovely work through there. He gets the two strides through the Head of the Lake at 18 and squeaks past the flag on the way out.

Oh, it looks like Tim’s pulled up after 22a. He was having a tricky ride so it was perhaps a smart decision. Or perhaps it’s showing as an E. I’ll update that as soon as I know for sure.

We’re hearing that Caroline Pamukcu will not ride her second horse HSH Double Sixteen later on.

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2:41pm

🇬🇧 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Harry Meade and Et Hop Du Matz

Dressage Score: 34.2
Place: 17

We pick up Harry at the coffin complex at 6. That was beautifully done through there. Totally balanced and smooth. Et Hop Du Matz is traveling nicely as they go up the hill towards the white gate at 8.

The problems continue for Tim as he picks up at 20 at the b element of 9 – the Equestrian Events Corners. He carries on for an educational round.

Arden has crossed the finish flags with Sunday Times. It’s a real shame we didn’t get to see her.

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2:36pm

🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Tim Price and Happy Boy

Dressage Score: 29.1
Place: 9

Oh my, Tim has a very early frangible pin at fence 3. We unfortunately didn’t see it on screen. He continues on and is clear through the coffin complex at 6, carrying those 11 penalties. This doesn’t seem to be the easiest round for Tim. He’ll be using all of his experience to help Happy Boy out there. There’s a slight delay in the start times while the team re-set the safety device they had at the start of the course.

Unfortunately Lauren had difficulties navigating the MARS Sustainability Bay and then decided to put up her hand at 9.

Meanwhile, Arden is still running, although we’re still not seeing her. She’s carrying that 20 and is at fence 24.

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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

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2:31pm

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Lauren Nicholson and I’ll Have Another

Dressage Score: 44.6
Place: 33

The feed’s focused on Calvin but Lauren’s clear through fence 4.

Phantom’s showing all his athleticism as he continues on his way with bucketloads of enthusiasm for his job and extravagance over the fences. Wow, this is hairy at times, but Calvin absolutely knows his horse. He navigates the bounce at the Normandy Bank at 20 really well. He isn’t half seeing some long ones as he heads towards the final part of the course. There’s a flag question showing up for them at 22b, the Cosequin Cove. He crosses the line clear jumping with some time.

Meanwhile, Buck and Sorocaima have finished clear but steady.

We still haven’t got to see Arden but the live leaderboard’s showing a 20 at Pete’s Hollow at 14 – around halfway round. It was at the b element. They continue on.

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2:28pm

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Arden Wildasin and Sunday Times

Dressage Score: 43.3
Place: 32

There’s nothing quite like seeing a long-time partnership out on cross country, and that’s exactly what we’ve got to enjoy in this pair. Look lively though, according to EquiRatings, ‘Mumbles’ is amongst the fastest horses in the field 👀

We don’t get to see the start of Arden’s round but she’s clear through the tricky coffin complex at 6.

Buck goes long at the Head of the Lake, the same route as Tim earlier, but seems to take a bit more time doing so.

Calvin’s horse is really long and flat through the Rolex Crossing at 12 and he did a great job of holding Phantom together and pushing on. Oh goodness. Phantom stumbles coming out of Pete’s Hollow. He’s on his knees. If he rights himself he’s OK. And he did. We see him galloping on a moment later. What a horse. A little more restrained from this point forward though, please.

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2:24pm

🇩🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Calvin Böckmann and The Phantom of the Opera

Dressage Score: 30.2
Place: 13

It’s a quick one. According to EquiRatings, ‘Phantom’ is the fastest horse in the field. Blink and you’ll miss ‘em 😉

Calvin’s riding by the seat of his pants as he flies round the beginning of the course. He leaves his back legs on the brush going into the coffin complex at 6 and then leaps the ditch big, and is big again over the brush out. Calvin is such a brave rider though, nothing phases him.

Sorocaima is great for Buck through the Defender Head of the Lake at 18, really focused and on his game.

We’re hearing that Jonelle had penalties, but they’re not showing on the live scoreboard. I’ll update you on that asap. She finished over a minute of the time, which does suggest something went on.

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2:21pm

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Buck Davidson Jr. and Sorocaima

Dressage Score: 42.1
Place: 31

We see Buck and Cam up at the top of the course, their butts headed over the white gate at fence 8

Oh no! Jennie’s had 20 at the Rolex Crossing at 12. That’s so disappointing. And she’s decided to pull up before Pete’s Hollow at 14. She smiles though. Foxy’s tried hard. That’s eventing.

Jonelle’s headed for home now, clear jumping.

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2:17pm

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle

Dressage Score: 34
Place: 16

‘Foxy’ is the second-most reliable cross country horse in the field, according to EquiRatings’ stats, with an enviably clean jumping record, including around some of the biggest tracks in the world, having completed at Kentucky, Maryland and Burghley.

It’s so cool that Jennie chose to go today with Foxy. They’ve had a great start and are quickly clear through fence 8 – the white gate in the trees.

Jonelle is giving us a masterclass of riding. Things weren’t so easy for them at the beginning of their round but the mare’s really settled now. Jonelle has a great ride through the Head of the Lake at 18, keeping Hiarado right on the line through there.

It looks like Caroline’s retired late on course, at fence 22b – the final water.

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2:14pm

🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Jonelle Price and Hiarado

Dressage Score: 30
Place: 12

Jonelle has a real moment at the ominous looking fish at MARS Sustainability Bay. Jonelle sits tight though. Phew.

Meanwhile Caroline has picked up a flag question at 9b, the double of angled corners.

James and Karma have completed clear jumping except for that potential flag.

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2:08pm

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Caroline Pamukcu HSH Double Sixteen

Dressage Score: 39.7
Place: 26

Caroline has a bit of a change of mind it seems at 6. That’s one for the judges to decide.

James and Karma have had a flag question at 18e coming out of the Head of the Lake. They’re going real quick, like super speed.

Clarke has called it a day at the Normandy Bank at 20c. That’s a shame. Their round did not go to plan at all.

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2:04pm

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: James Alliston and Karma

Dressage Score: 37.3
Place: 21

The feed obviously follows Michael and Chip but James is clear through 6.

Michael’s a little under pressure in terms of the time as he comes through Cosequin Cove at 18, it’s not looking like he’ll make it. No stress shown though and he rides through there perfectly, of course. He’s 10 seconds down at the Mighty Moguls at 25. He has penalties in hand though, remember. He’s over the Lucky Horseshoe and there’s the hint of an elbow as he rides for the line. He’s home clear with 2.4 time penalties.

Meanwhile Clarke and Menlo Park were having a great ride until things go awry at the Defender Head of the Lake at 18. They take the step out and Clarke seems to swing wide to set up for the corner but it doesn’t come up for him and they slide to a stop. 20 penalties for them. They continue on.

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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

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2pm

🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park

Dressage Score: 28.4
Place: =7

Clarke has early problems at the Credit Care Question at 6c. He continues on though and is clear after that through 11.

Michael is 4 or 5 seconds up on everyone else as he comes into Pete’s Hollow at 14. He takes the alternate a element to set up the perfect line through there.

Meanwhile Sharon and Claus have had a further 20 at the Normandy Bank – it was at the brush at 20c. We didn’t see it. Then the leaderboard shows her as having been eliminated at 22c – the final water.

We’re hearing that Boyd and Bruno have had a flag question at the Defender Head of the Lake, at the brush corner coming out of there. We’ll keep an eye on that.

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1:56pm

🇩🇪 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH

Dressage Score: 18.6
Place: 1

They smashed the dressage, will they continue smashing it at Kentucky? Michi’s going for his 5th win in the bluegrass. Keep it careful Chip. They’ve got a 7.4 point advantage over Boyd and Commando 3 who are currently their biggest threat.

They set out smooth and pro and slick. Of course. Chip is eating up the track. Michael’s taking all the efficient lines. He’s textbook through the coffin complex at 6. Gorgeous. He’s covering so much ground as he gallops along in Michael’s classic, easy rhythm. The Rolex Crossing at 12 is easy peasy for this pair.

The livestream is focusing on the leaders going into this, but Jessie Phoenix has now finished clear jumping with some time.

Sharon and Claus are clear through 13 but then pick up at 20 at the a element of Pete’s Hollow at 14.

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1:51pm

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Sharon White and Claus 63

Dressage Score: 32.3
Place: 14

Claus has his ears pricked as he leaves the box and gets his Kentucky cross country underway. He takes the first two in his stride. Go Claus. This is a very cool cross country horse. Oh, Sharon has to sit up over the ditch at the b element of the Credit Care Question at 6. She’s good though. That was Claus showing all of his enthusiasm. Well-saved.

Meanwhile Emily and Corvett have crossed the line one second slower than Boyd and Bruno.

Jessie is nearing home now and the horse is still running on well. She has to take a real pull coming into the Bourbon Barrel Table at 17 – it’s quick to the Defender Head of the Lake after that fence, but Jessie’s got ‘Lacey’ back now and they navigate the water well.

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1:45pm

🇨🇦 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Jessica Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent

Dressage Score: 36.8
Place: 20

Jessie and her spotty pony are a touch sticky through the Care Credit Question at 6 but they come out the other side and travel on. They settle into their round and continue clear through fence 16.

Woo! Corvett flies the skinny white rails at Pete’s Hollow at 14 in his own classic, iconic style. He puts a trot step in before the step up out of the water at the Defender Head of the Lake at 18. Clever pony. Barry gives the corgi air at Cosequin Cove and then uses all of his scope to plough on through there. He’s jumping for fun.

Bruno looks to tire a little as he nears the end of the track, but Boyd’s got his back. They clear the last and cross the line with big pats from Boyd. Clear jumping with some time.

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1:40pm

🇺🇸 THIRD COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Emily Hamel and Corvett

Dressage Score: 38.6
Place: =23

Barry’s off and showing us just why he’s earned the monker Corvett Airlines. Whoop. Fly Barry fly! We’re not seeing a lot of them but they’re clear through the massive ditch brush at 10. She slices the corner a little and Corvett shows us how big that fence is. They’re a little sticky through the Rolex Crossing at 12 but gallop onward.

Tim’s over the corgi at Cosequin Cove at 22, heading towards home now. He jumps the fallen tree at 26 and then takes the Lucky Horseshoe. He lost his advantage over the time as the course went on. He finishes clear jumping with some time.

Bruno and Boyd are flying round the track. He leaps off the drop at the EEI Root Cellar at 15. He’s really being bold and brave and they look to be having a fun round.

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1:35pm

🇺🇸 SECOND COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Boyd Martin and Fedarman B

Dressage Score: 29.8
Place: 11

EquiRatings have ‘Bruno’ down as the second-fastest horse in the field today. Watch that white blaze go! Eyes on 👀

Bruno’s up for it, for sure. We see him over the first couple but the livestream goes back to Tim to focus on the pathfinder. We cut back to Boyd and hear the cheers follow him and Bruno round the track. He’s clear through the white gates at the Fox’s Den at 8. All good thus far for them.

We see Tim through the water at the Rolex Crossing at 12. Jarillo stretches over the fences and it all comes up easy. They’re a little up on the clock as they come to the 5 minute marker. They’re at Pete’s Hollow at 14, the fence that’s caused some conversation in the lead-up. He’s straight through the quick route. Derek said they need to be accurate, positive and brave through there and that’s exactly what this pair displayed. They’re just as good through the Defender Head of the Lake, taking a slightly longer route with an extra jumping effort but still quick.

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1:30pm

🇳🇿 FIRST COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Tim Price and Jarillo

Dressage Score: 28.4
Place: =7

The weather’s held up in Lexington and conditions look good for this afternoon’s cross country. The 4* competition used a different track and so it’s fresh ground for the 5*, which has been drying out all day after yesterday’s deluge.

Have a great ride! Tim’s out of the box and on his way. They fly the table at 2 and Jarillo looks well up for it. He comes to the first real question on the course at the MARS Sustainability Bay at 4 and they’re textbook through there. Neat and tidy, bold and beautiful. That’ll have made Tim feel good.

The Care Credit Question has been influential in the past, but Tim is on the ball and navigates through there with no question. He really has had a great start on this exciting horse. Tim’s making this look easy.

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Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]

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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

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Chinch? Ya doing OK there, buddy? Photo via CrossCountryApp.

Here we go ENers! It’s cross country day at Defender Kentucky and first up we have the Cosequin Lexington 4*-S competition.

I’ll be here with you ALL DAY, bringing you every scrap of the action from both the 4* and 5* courses, so settle in for one MASSIVE day celebrating the best sport in the world at The Best Weekend All Year.

Before we turn our attention to all that, here’s a quick look at the 4* leaderboard as it stands after the dressage phase:

1️⃣ 🇺🇸 Will Coleman and Off The Record put down a PB of 21.8 to go straight to the top of the leaderboard.

2️⃣ 🇺🇸 It’s a Dutton double for the rest of the rolling podium, with Phillip Dutton in second place at this point in proceedings with Possante on a score of 23.1.

3️⃣ 🇺🇸 Phillip slid down two places after holding the overnight lead on the first day of dressage with Denim to finish up in third on a score of 25.6.

The action’s due to get underway at 9:34am EST / 3:30pm CEST when Heather Gillette will head out of the startbox with Vincent Chase and take us on our first trip ‘round the track.

A quick update on overnight withdrawals: Lisa Barry and Rosie’s Aventadora were due to be the first to go, but have withdrawn. Will Coleman will not be bringing Very Dignified forward; he will however be going at 11:08 am EST / 5:08 pm CEST with current leader Off The Record. Sarah Cousins has withdrawn Wizzard.

There’s a mammoth field for the 4* with all sorts of exciting combinations set to go. You’ll find the ride times for all of the competitors right here.

As you know, here at EN we just can’t help ourselves but bring you all the deets we can unturf at the big events, happy to risk brain and finger strain to keep our fellow eventing nerds so thoroughly up-to-date that a huge eventing hangover is inevitable as we crawl from our beds on Monday morning to face a day bereft of eventing, until the next time. You’ll find all our love from Defender Kentucky right here. And that’s not all because we’re nothing if not generous in sharing our crazy. Go behind-the-scenes with us on over on our Instagram channel @goeventing – follow along and get involved here.

Whilst we await the first countdown of the day, here’s some links for your perusal:

▶️ Cosequin Lexington 4*-S Dressage Day One
▶️ Cosequin Lexington 4*-S Dressage Day Two
▶️ Live Leaderboard
▶️ Course Map
▶️ EN’s Cross Country Preview

Before we head out on course, a little ‘refresher’ on the no. 1 rule of following EN’s classic live blog: refresh, refresh, refresh – and all will be revealed.

If you’re catching up with this later and are the type to like things in order, scroll ⬇️ and read ⬆️. If going backwards is more your jam, have at it.

Have we go ENers… Let’s go eventing!

Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]

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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

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12:40pm

SUMMARY OF THE DAY’S SPORT

EN’s classic full round-up report will be with you just as soon as our boots on the ground have managed to process ALL THAT ACTION. Eyes on the website for that landing in the near future.

Until then, here’s a quick re-cap of what went down…

The top of the leaderboard remains unchanged with Will Coleman still out in front with Off The Record and Phillip Dutton in second and third with Possante and Denim respectively.

You’ll find the full leaderboard right here.

But eventing is about so, so much more than the leaderboard. Hopes, dreams, ambitions, partnerships, good days, bad days, great days, moments to cherish and moments to learn. Here’s a sample of what today brought for the 4* competitors:

⚡ Will Coleman had the fastest round of the day with Off The Record, picking up 7.2 time penalties and finishing up still at the top of the leaderboard on 29. Allison Springer was the second-quickest with her exciting mare No May Moon, picking up 7.6 penalties. Jessie Phoenix and Freedom GS were third-fastest, picking up 8 time penalties.

🩷 The matchy award goes to Ali Kuhn and Little Hail who opted for a shocking pink set. They had a lovely time out there and completed clear with time. Ali’s grin as she crossed the line was priceless. What a feel that must have been.

🪜 Leaderboard Climb – Ema Klugman had the biggest leaderboard climb of the day after an impressive round with Chiraz. They were in 30th after the dressage and now sit in =7th on a score of 43.4. They were quick and clear, fourth-fastest of the day, picking up just 9.6 time penalties.

📉 Not Their Day Today – There were a few early retirements, with the Mighty Moguls taking a few scalps early doors. The pathfinder Heather Gillette set the tone from the start with Vincent Chase, calling it a day at fence 5. Kristi Foresman put her hand up at 4 and Buck Davidson had problems at 4 and 5 before retiring. The Park Question at 6 also proved to be tricky.

⛳ 12b was the fence where the flag was a bit iffy, causing a question for the clubhouse leader Will that hung over his score for a little while. All penalties at 12 were taken off though. The only flag penalty remaining was for Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake, which they picked up at 18b.

😬 Eek – There was a moment for Taren Hoffos and Master Class when the gelding decided that the occasion was just all too much for him today. A spook stopped him in his tracks and Taren ended up out the side door, landing on her feet. A sad end to their Kentucky but neither horse nor rider worse for the experience.

🦆 Oh Duck! Fortunately/unfortunately for my planned pun, no one had a ducking this morning, but we’ve still got the 5* to go.

There were no horse falls and just Taren who hit the deck, but you couldn’t really call that a fall, more of an exit. So a very successful day of sport all round.

Keep it locked onto EN for the full report coming your way and join me back with the live blog in just a little while, when I’ll bring you all of the cross country action from the 5* competition. Reminders set for 1:30pm EST / 7:30pm CEST. See you there!

One huge cross country competition down, one to go. This truly is The Best Weekend All Year. Go eventing!

Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]

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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

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12:15pm

Wow, what an exciting competition for the Cosequin Lexington 4* at Defender Kentucky! There’s no change at the top of the leaderboard after truly great rides from Will and Phillip:

1️⃣ 🇺🇲 Still leading the pack is Will Coleman and Off The Record who had a smashing ride adding just 7.2 time to sit on a score of 29.

2️⃣ 🇺🇲 Still in second is Phillip Dutton and Possante, who added 10.4 time for a score of 33.5.

3️⃣ 🇺🇲 And still rounding out the top three after cross country is Phillip Dutton and Denim, who are on a score of 37.2.

You’ll find the full leaderboard right here.

Stay tuned (and don’t forget to hit refresh) for a summary of the 4* cross country headed your way right here on the live blog and keep it locked onto the website for EN’s classic full report – coming soon.

I’ll be back live blogging later today when the 5* competitors get their turn out on Derek’s track. It’s due to kick off at 1:30pm EST / 7:30pm CEST. Be there!

Eyes on EN for everything Kentucky.

In a while ENers… Go eventing!

Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]

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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

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12:08pm

🇺🇸 FINAL COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Tamra Smith and Kynan

Dressage Score: 28.8
Place: 11

Tamie gets a confident start to her round and is easily clear through the first half of the course. Tamie’s had some control problems with this guy in the past but that all looks to be well and truly behind them. She looks to be having a great ride out there. It doesn’t look like she’s out to challenge the clock. That time is tiiiiight. She comes right back before the sausage dog at 18 and then the horse bunny hops over the b element. She doesn’t miss a beat though and is quickly through there. She comes into the final water and makes nothing of the fences through the MARS Sustainability Bay at 20 and is almost home now. The Lucky Horseshoe comes up perfectly for them out of their gallop stride and she’s over the finish. Clear jumping. No one inside the time.

Phillip makes the Defender Sunken Road at 14 look like a gymnastic exercise. He gets a massive leap over the sausage dog at 18 – Phillip sits right back and hangs on tight. He’s quickly through there. He’s up on the clock compared to many other riders today. He comes round and jumps the Lucky Horseshoe to finish and comes through the flags clear jumping but with a little time. We’ll see what that does to the scores.

Ariel has finished with just those early 20 penalties on her card. That round looked to get better and better as it went along.

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12:05pm

🇺🇸 PENULTIMATE COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Phillip Dutton and Possante

Dressage Score: 23.1
Place: 2

Phillip had two in the top-three and was sitting in second coming into cross country with Possante. Will he hold his spot on the podium? Let’s see…

Possante looks so comfortable at the start of the course – galloping and jumping and looking to be relishing the early questions. Phillip brings him back for the Park Question and risks nothing as he makes his way through there. Brilliant. Sinaed in the commentary box says Phillip’s ‘balls to the wall’. He’s wasting not a scrap of time – inside lines all the way, galloping quickly away from the fences. Smooth and slick. He’s clear through 12.

Ariel gets things done at the double of corners at 12 – no question there for them. She’s put that early question well and truly behind her.

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12:01pm

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Ariel Grald and Diara

Dressage Score: 27.3
Place: 5

We’re down to the final three to go now.

Ariel has trouble at the influential combination at 6 – the Park Question – and picks up a 20 at the d element. That’s a shame so early on the course.

There’s more troubles for Nilson who’s decided to call it a day at the double of big corners at 12. Disappointing for him.

Meanwhile Sarah and Mr. Cash are through the finish – they’ve got that flag question but otherwise clear jumping.

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11:58am

🇧🇷 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Nilson Moreira Da Silver and Elmo

Dressage Score: 41.1
Place: 50

Oh dear, early troubles for Nilson with a refusal at 4b – the Mighty Moguls. That’s disappointing for him but he continues on.

Sarah takes a brave line through the corners at 12. There’s a flag question at the b element. Mr. Cash looks a little tired as he jumps through the Cosequin Cove but he’s still jumping cleanly and looks to be enjoying it out there.

Meanwhile Kimmy has come through the finish flags with OS Hermintage clear jumping.

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11:55am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Sarah Kuhn and Mr. Cash Van De Start

Dressage Score: 28.4
Place: 10

We haven’t seen much of Sarah at the early stages of her course but she’s clear through 10.

Kimmy is clear through 17. She takes her time at the Walnut Bank at 16. Real careful and neat through there.

Wowza! That’s Me Z stands right off the sausage dog at 18 – way, way back – but makes the giant leap. The horse has really got excited about all the fun out there. Tommy has a little word and takes things down a notch. He gallops on the finish and there’s a huge pat for this really exciting young horse.

Jan has also finished with Beautiful Storm – a clear jumping round for them.

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11:51am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Kimmy Cecere and OS Hermintage

Dressage Score: 32.6
Place: 25

Only five more starters after this pair.

Kimmy’s round appears to have got off to a good start, with no troubles at the Mighty Moguls and clear through the Park Question at 6.

There’s conversations between Jan and Beautiful Storm at the Cosequin Cove at 18 but Jan makes it happen. They can smell home now.

Tommy also has a discussion with his horse as he makes the turn into the first corner at 12 but he picks up the line through there and gallops away.

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11:48am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Tommy Greengard and That’s Me Z

Dressage Score: 31.6
Place: 22

This is the youngest horse in the field at 8-years-old. We’re not seeing a lot of him but he’s clear through fence 9.

Jan is still riding for her life. She picks up a great outside line to fit four strides between the double of corners at 12. They gallop on but she has to bring him right back for the Defender Sunken Road – the terrain’s tricky through there and she rides it masterfully. It can’t have been easy to channel all that power through there. She’s around 20 seconds down on the clock.

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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

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11:45am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Jan Byyny and Beautiful Storm

Dressage Score: 31.1
Place: =19

Beautiful Storm is excellent through the Mighty Moguls at 4, making nothing of that influential combination. Jan is riding fierce and is really determined to do a good job for her lovely Thoroughbred.

Allison has had a 20 at the b element at 12 – the double of corners. She continues on though and is really good through the water at 18, so she must’ve put those problems right behind her. She crosses the finish line for her second completion of the day.

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11:41am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Allison Springer and Vandyke

Dressage Score: 37.3
Place: 44

Allison had a great ride round earlier and is clear through 10. The livestream is mostly on Chris though.

Chris is having the ride of his life. He’s flying along with Marco Polo and making this course look like Pony Club. He’s clear through the final water, skipping through there, adding a stride, and heading for home. The horse looks a little tired and Chris seems to have taken the pedal off. It’s a young horse and Chris is taking care of him. He comes through the flags with clear jumping.

Tracey has completed with Venezuelan River, who gets a big pat as they cross the line. Clear jumping for them.

Taren has also completed Regalla, carrying some penalties but through the finish flags.

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11:38am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Chris Talley and FE Marco Polo

Dressage Score: 26.8
Place: 4

We’re into the final ten combinations to go in the 4* today.

Chris was just 1.2 penalties behind a podium place coming into today’s cross country. Will he still be up there after this..? He could go into the lead as things stand if he’s clear inside the time.

He gets off to a confident and smooth start. He’s clear through the tricky combination at 6 that proved influential early on and then slices straight through the two cabins at the Fox’s Den fence at 7 and 8. He’s going so quick. He’s totally going for this.

He sets up beautifully for the Rolex Crossing at 10. A beautiful ride through there.

Unfortunately Taren has another 20 at 18b – the chevron triple brush in the middle of the Cosequin Cove treble.

Tracey is clear through 17 but we’re not seeing a lot of her round now Chris is on course, sorry.

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11:35am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Tracey Bienemann and Venezuelan River

Dressage Score: 35.8
Place: 37

Tracey has made a good start to her Kentucky and is clear through fence 9.

Taren’s mark is jumping beautifully. She popped in an extra stride through the Defender Sunken Road but is really quick on her feet – so neat and tidy.

Jessie stops the clock on 6.57 and is the second-fastest of the day. That puts her in 4th in the clubhouse.

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11:33am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Taren Hoffos and Regalla

Dressage Score: 34
Place: 31

We haven’t seen much of Taren but it seems she’s had a 20 at 6a. They continued on though and are clear through 12.

Mia and Invictus are through the finish and actually are relatively quick on a day where the time has proved to be so tight so far.

Jessie and Freedom GS have a great ride through the Walnut Bank fence at 16ab. The mare really came back for Jessie. Jessie makes it happen through the Cosequin Cove at 18.

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11:30am

🇨🇦 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Jessica Phoenix and Freedom GS

Dressage Score: 30
Place: 14

Jessie is neat through the Rolex Crossing at 10 and looks to mean business as she gets into her round. There’s Maple Leafs in the crowd waving for this pair.

Mia is still having conversations with Invictus but she’s making it happen and they’re clear to the Cosequin Cove. We see them through there, Mia brings him right back to get the line through the water and over the skinny, then manages to get all that power round the turn for the c element.

Dana’s ecstatic as she clears the last. That was a great, great round.

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11:26am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Mia Farley and Invictus

Dressage Score: 29.3
Place: 12

Invictus is a big strong guy and a real different ride for Mia than her 5* partner Phelps. She’s doing a great job though and they’re clear through the Rolex Crossing at 10.

There’s a flag question for Dana at 12b. That flag just keeps coming down. She’s clear through 17. We see Dana through the Cosequin Cove and she’s riding out of her skin. Quatro is loving it out there and hunting the finish flags.

Meanwhile Hayley’s finished clear.

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11:23am

🇨🇦 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Dana Cook and FE Quatro

Dressage Score: 28.3
Place: 9

This combination is EquiRatings’ third-favorite for the win, they’ve got a little catching up to do if the math is going to add up. They sure look good and confident as they start their course and are clear all the way through fence 9.

Arden has come through through the finish flags, carrying quite a few penalties but with a cross country completion.

Meanwhile Hayley’s clear through 16. We see her through the Cosequin Cove at 18 and the horse is fabulous through there. Still totally full of run and jumping for joy.

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11:20am

🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Hayley Frielick and Sportsfield Lumiere

Dressage Score: 31
Place: 18

Hayley’s clear through fence 8 but the livestream is showing an interview with the clubhouse leader Will Coleman so we’re not seeing a lot of horses right now.

The live scoreboard is showing problems for Arden, with a 20 at the double brush in the middle of the Rolex Crossing at 10 and another one at the narrow table at the a element of the Walnut Bank at 16. They continue on though.

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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

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11:19am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Arden Wildasin and Billy Beaufort

Dressage Score: 35.6
Place: 36

Arden is clear through 10 and then we see her through the Rolex Crossing – things are looking a little sticky but they’re happening.

Ema has had another 20 at 14b but this is an educational round now after those early penalties. She continues on and completes with Chiraz.

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1:14am

🇦🇺 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Ema Klugman and RF Redfern

Dressage Score: 30.3
Place: =16

Well, it looks as though Ema’s had a 20 at the first, but we didn’t see it as the livestream is on Will’s round.

Will is really positive into the Cosequin Cove – they’re smooth and easy through there. Timmy knows his job, he’s a total pro and he’s delivering the goods for sure.

Although, there’s a flag question for Will at 12b. I’ll keep you updated on that. From the replay it looked like he had no worries there. The flag obviously goes but they look to be inside. We’ll have to wait and see what happens there.

For every other fence though, no troubles at all. He’s quick but not inside the time. And the flag question has been removed. An excellent round for the clubhouse leader.

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11:10am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: William Coleman and Off The Record

Dressage Score: 21.8
Place: 1

This combination are EquiRatings’ second-favorite for the win here this weekend although they’re proving the math guys wrong thus far and go off onto the cross country course in top spot. They have the highest ELO rating in the field and ‘Timmy’ is one of the fastest horses we’ll see out on course today. Eyes on 👀

Will takes a similar line to Phillip Dutton through the Mighty Moguls at 4 – it’s been an influential fence but is no worry at all for this very experienced pairing. Timmy’s got his ears pricked and looks so confident at the start of this course. He makes the Park Question look no more than a little query and then slices over the cabins at 7 and 8 as though they’re not there. This horse and rider are on fire.

James and Nemesis home now and so is Alex with Redtail Penumbra. The livestream is obviously focusing on Will as the leader.

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11:07am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: James Alliston and Nemesis

Dressage Score: 32.7
Place: 17

We’re not seeing much of James, sadly, but he’s clear through fence 12.

Alex is really having to work when we see him at 16, but he knows his horse really well and is taking care of him. They’re over half-way through the course now though. They’re sticky out of the final water at 20.

Meanwhile Emily is through the finish flags. A really careful round for them – clear.

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11:05am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Alexander O’Neal and Redtail Penumbra

Dressage Score: 31.8
Place: 24

We haven’t really seen Alex sorry, but he’s clear through fence 10 – the Rolex Crossing.

Elisa sits back over the sausage dog at 18 and makes things happen to navigate her way through the combination. They gallop on and have a great jump over the Lucky Horseshoe to finish their round. Elisa’s already patting her horse while they’re in the air.

Meanwhile Emily adds strides between the two corners at 12ab – the horse is really bouncy and gets five strides in there.

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11:02am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Emily Mastervich and Rio De Janeiro

Dressage Score: 31.1
Place: =19

According to the math geeks at EquiRatings, this horse is amongst the fastest in the field 👀 They shoot out of the box and are clear through fence the stick pile at 9. They’re making these big jumps look small. Really impressive start for them.

Elisa is very neat through the double of corners at 12, making that difficult line look easy. She’s having a smashing ride. This pair are making it look like such fun.

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10:59am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Elisa Wallace and Lissavorra Quality

Dressage Score: 30.2
Place: 15

Elisa has a great ride through the influential combination at 4 – the Mighty Moguls. Really secure and on point. That’ll give Elisa confidence. She sets up for the coffin complex at 6 and really makes things happen. Impressive. They slice across the two cabins at 7 and 8 – they’re on a related distance but there’s no need to circle for Elisa. They look to be having a great time together.

Savannah continues to have a great round and is clear through 13. She makes a great job through the doggy pond – the Cosequin Cove at 18. Really smooth and easy.

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10:57

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Savannah Fulton and Cash Point

Dressage Score: 36.8
Place: =40

Savannah’s clear through the Fox’s Den fences at 7 and 8. All’s looking solid for them at the start of their ride.

Colin and Baymax are through the finish carrying 20 penalties and with a flag question for fence 12b.

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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

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10:54

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Buck Davidson and Cooley Candyman

Dressage Score: 31.3
Place: 21

There’s early trouble at the Mighty Moguls for Buck and he picks up a 20 at the b element. The troubles continue at the Hillside Oxer at 5 and he puts his hand up.

Meanwhile things are still looking a little wild for Colin. The horse jumps right to the bottom of the drop over the sausage dog. Ooo, that was a moment. They continue on though.

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10:51am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Colin Gaffney and Baymax

Dressage Score: 36.8
Place: =40

Colin sets off and things look a little hairy at times. They come into 10 not quite on the same page and the horse stops. Colin’s pitched out of the tack but rights himself.

It’s the fastest round of the day for Allison Springer and No May Moon! Excellent work from this pair.

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10:48am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Olivia Dutton and Sea Of Clouds

Dressage Score: 32.8
Place: =27

Olivia gets off to a great start but then Sea of Clouds takes the widest part of the corner at 12a and catches it on the way down tipping Olivia out the side door. That’s so frustrating. She’s straight up and Sea of Clouds looks like he’s wondering what happened and wanting to get on with the job.

Boy, Allison is flying round the track with No May Moon. She’s on the inside track the whole way and gaining on the clock – the start of the course is slow and she’s making up time. This is really exciting.

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10:43am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Allison Springer and No May Moon

Dressage Score: 32.8
Place: =27

This talented mare is one of the fastest in the field today. Eyes peeled, you won’t want to miss this one 👀

They take a huge leap over the corner at 4b, up and down but over and onward. This mare’s got Connie in her breeding. So cool. Wow, she’s jumping out of her skin! There’s another huge leap over the c element of the Park Question. Goodness this girl can jump. Doesn’t look super comfortable for Allison though.

Meanwhile Allie and Morswood are good through 19 but sadly, things finish for them with a refusal at the MARS Sustainability Bay – 20c. Such a shame for them. They walk off the course together and Morswood looks pleased with his efforts. Disappointing for Allie.

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10:40am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Alexandra Knowles and Morswood

Dressage Score: 30.3
Place: =16

Allie gets off to an exciting start, so confident and Morswood looks to be really keen. They’re super through the tricky Mighty Moguls but then the frangible pin goes on the Hillside Oxer at 5. They didn’t miss a beat though and gallop on.

Morswood is ears forward but not necessarily making Allie’s job easy. He knows his job and is being a little opinionated on the approach sometimes. He’s taking Allie forward into the fences and is really enjoying himself. But all that comes to a head the Rolex Crossing at 10b and he gets in too close to the double brush at b. Allie quickly brings him back round and they continue with their day no worse for wear.

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10:36am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Kristi Foresman and Kingston Reuvekamps

Dressage Score: 39.9
Place: 47

Sophie Click seems to not be going Tarantino 54 so we move on to Kristi and Kingston Reuvekamps, but unfortunately they have an early end to their competition when they run into problems at the b element of the Mighty Moguls which has already proved to be so influential. They come back round but it’s not happening for them and she puts her hand up.

Molly and Disco Traveler are through the finish with that early 20 on their card. The rest of the round was textbook. So annoying to have that early mistake, but lessons learned and experience gained.

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10:31am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Molly Duda and Disco Traveler

Dressage Score: 27.7
Place: 6

Disco Traveler is locked on as he gallops out of the start box but then there’s a sad penalty at the Mighty Moguls at 4b, what a shame for Molly after sitting in such a good spot after the dressage. They continue on and clear the Rolex Crossing at 10abc really easily. They look to have got things together now. They’re incredibly smooth round the tricky turn between the double of corners at 12. It all looks very neat and tidy for this pair. Molly gives her horse a pat after clearing the Defender Sunken Road at 14.

Meanwhile Robin continues his great ride. He’s clear through 17 and coming to the Cosequin Cove. He’s riding by the seat of his pants. This horse isn’t always thinking forward and Robin’s really pushing on and motivating him. They’re sticky over the sausage dog at 18a and Robin wisely decides to go the longer route through there. They’re clear though.

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🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Robin Walker and SBT Barolo

Dressage Score: 29.8
Place: 13

Robin’s got the course to himself for the start of his round and clears the first 9, up to the Rolex Crossing at 10. It doesn’t look to be the quickest round but this horse has got a really big, long galloping stride and is having a smooth round thus far.

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🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Tracey Bienemann and Menlo Park

Dressage Score: 36.1
Place: 39

It’s just Tracey out on course and there’s early troubles. A 20 at 4b. They have a sticky jump at a and then it looks like the horse just doesn’t see the right-handed corner at b. They come round though and get through there, only to have more problems at 6a – the parallel rails going into the Park Question. They continue on but those early mistakes take their toll and she puts her hand up at 7.

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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

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10:22am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Taron Hofos and Master Class

Dressage Score: 41.9
Place: 51

Oh dear. Taron’s on the floor as we first see her. Wow, the horse spooks suddenly on the way into the Park Question and just says, nope, not today. Taron kind of jumped out the side door. That’s sad and frustrating. But it’s a huge atmosphere out there and a lot of these horses won’t have seen anything like the crowds there are at Kentucky.

The cheers are following Ali round the track. What a great day she’s having. The ups and downs of eventing, hey. But those highs and high, high, high. She’s delighted as she crosses the finish. Hugs all round and huge grins. Great to see.

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10:19am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Chris Newton and Noble Discovery

Dressage Score: 40.8
Place: 49

Oh boy. Early troubles for Chris with a 20 at 4b and then deciding to call it a day at the Park Question at 6.

Ali’s really having a ball out there. She really sets up at the sausage dog at 18a and ends up on the buckle as she drops into the water. She makes it happen though. That was a great ride.

Meanwhile Hannah’s through the finish with Carsonstown after what looked to be a great round after that early mistake. Quite a bit of time added due to that refusal.

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10:16am
]🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Ali Kuhn and Little Hail

Dressage Score: 35.9
Place: 38

Ali and Little Hail have gone full matchy matchy in shocking pink. They look confident as they get their round underway. They’re clear through the related distance Fox’s Den fences at 7 and 8.

Hannah’s really giving her horse an excellent ride. They’re super through the double of corners at 12. He’s a real strong horse to keep together but Hannah’s really showing us how it’s done.

Meanwhile, Briggs and Corture are through the finish. They picked up that 20 and have had a fair whack of time, but the little mare has completed this really tough track.

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10:14am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Hannah Sue Hollberg and Carsonstown

Dressage Score: 31.7
Place: 23

Unfortunately Hannah’s had a 20 at the Mighty Moguls – 4b. This is looking to be an influential fence at the early part of the competition. They continue on though.

Corture continues on her merry way and is up at MARS Sustainability Bay at 20.

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10:11am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Briggs Surratt and Corture

Dressage Score: 35.5
Place: 35

Briggs and the diminutive Corture (she’s 14.3hh) have an early 20 at 4b – the second element at the Mighty Moguls. They continue on though and are up at the parallel rails at 13.

Meanwhile Phillip continues his great round and is through the finish line.

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10:07am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Phillip Dutton and Denim

Dressage Score: 25.6
Place: 3

They led the dressage after the first day and slid down into third after the second day. Will the slide stop there? Or will they climb? The sure set out meaning business.

Oh, there’s a squeaky moment for them at the Park Question. He takes the bark of the rails at a. That’s frangible. It doesn’t go though. Phillip makes it happen through the rest of the combination, albeit sat at the back of the tack. He gets Denim back focused quickly though and Denim really seems to settle into his round. He gets an easy three strides through the double of corners at 12ab. Really confident.

Jennie flies the Lucky Horseshoe and comes across the line. A great, positive ride from her to set her up nicely for the 5*.

We’re seeing on the live leaderboard that Hayley seems to have been eliminated at 10a but we didn’t see it on the livestream.

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10:04am

🇳🇿 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Hayley Frielick and Dunedin Black Watch

Dressage Score: 39.4
Place: 46

This horse is one of the fastest in the field according to the math guys at EquiRatings 👀

Hayley unfortunately has a 20 at 6a – the rails going into the Park Question. She comes round and takes an alternative route through there though and continues on.

Jennie’s really good through the Defender Sunken Road at 14ab – a great ride through there. She’s clear through the Cedar Table at 19.

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10am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Jennie Brannigan and Connory

Dressage Score: 34.8
Place: 33

Jennie’s not having the easiest ride at the start of the course, she’s having to have a bit of a conversation with Connory. She’s making it happen though and they’re clear through the difficult Park Question at 6. Connory settles as he gets going. He looks strong but he’s reacting immediately to Jennie’s cues.

Alex continues his great ride with Malibu Preacher and comes through the finish flags clear.

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9:55am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Alexander Conrad and Malibu Preacher

Dressage Score: 36.8
Place: =40

Alex does a great job through the EEI Opposing Corners, balancing down the hill and making the line through there look really smooth. He tackles the tricky terrain at the Defender Sunken Road – 14 – seem easy. Smooth is the word being thrown around in the commentary box and it just is. Really easy to watch.

Ema’s having a super ride round here. Chiraz is eating it up and looks to be relishing the challenge. They’re clear through the Cosequin Cove at 18. They come through the finish flags with the fastest round so far.

Gabby and Traditionally Fernhill are through the finish clear with just over a minute time. That was a sound round from them.

We’re hearing Caroline has been given flag penalties at 18b.

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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

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9:52am

🇦🇺 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Ema Klugman and Chiraz

Dressage Score: 33.8
Place: 30

The live stream is flicking between the combinations real quick so we’re just having flashes of each ride. Ema’s clear through 10, the Rolex Crossing.

James and Cora fly the Lucky Horseshoe and gallop through the finish flags. They had a bold round.

Gabby is clear to 19. She’s having a steady round but is really giving her horse a confidence building ride.

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9:49am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: Gabby Dickerson and Traditionally Fernhill

Dressage Score: 40.3
Place: 48

We don’t get to see a lot of Gabby but she’s clear up to the furthest point on the course up at fence 11.

Skyeler comes across the finish a minute over but she’s had a great round on her cool cross country horse. Good job.

Cora’s putting in some trot steps here and there as she organises her feet. Clever pony.

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9:45am

🇺🇸 NEW STARTER OUT ON COURSE: James Alliston and Cora

Dressage Score: 35.1
Place: 34

James has a bit of a slip on the turn at the Rolex Crossing at 10abc but he gathers Cora together and they head through there with no problems.

We see Skyeler through the Defender Sunken Road at 14ab. She loses her stirrup on the way out but that’s no problem for her. Argyle looks like he’s really enjoying his trip round Kentucky. He’s in a lovely rhythm, not super speedy but he looks really rideable and they’re having a smooth ride. They’re really good through the MARS Sustainability Bay at 20 abc. What a lovely genuine horse this is.

Caroline’s near to home now. She’s not going to make the time. She comes up to the Lucky Horseshoe and is over easy and through the finish. That time is going to be tough to catch.

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9:42am

🇺🇸 THIRD COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Skyeler Voss and Argyle

Dressage Score: 37
Place: 43

They set off and clear the first 8 fences but unfortunately we don’t get to see much of them on the live stream, which is focusing on Caroline and Blake.

Caroline’s a little down on the clock as she comes through the Defender Sunken Road at 14ab but she’s in a great rhythm and really making nothing of this track.

Oh, there’s a moment at the Cosequin Cove at 18. She takes the flag and it looks like a close call. She thinks she’s inside and continues on.

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9:39am

🇺🇸 SECOND COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Caroline Pamukcu and HSS Blake

Dressage Score: 27.9
Place: 7

This pair are EquiRatings’ favorite for the win although they’ve got a little catching up to do as they come into cross country in 7th spot after the dressage. ‘Blake’ is one of the fastest horses in the field today – blink and you’ll miss em 👀

Caroline gets off to a great start and Blake sure seems to be on his game. They make the Mighty Moguls at 4ab look easy. The perfect stride through there.

They come into the Park Question at 6. Historically this is an influential fence. But Blake hops through there, straight over the rails at a, neatly over the ditch at b and then right on the two strides into the cabin at c. Beautiful.

They come into the Rolex Crossing at 10abc and again, make nothing of these really tricky fences. All looking good for them so far.

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9:34am

🇺🇸 FIRST COMBINATION OUT ON COURSE: Heather Gillette and Vincent Chase

Dressage Score: 38.3
Place: 45

And we’re off! Heather gets a neat jump over the first and she heads out onto the course. It’s perfect weather for cross country right now, not too hot, not raining.

Oh, early troubles unfortunately. She comes into the big brush at the Mighty Moguls – 4a – and grinds to a halt. She comes back round and gets through that tricky combination but that wasn’t the start she would have wanted. Vincent Chase just wasn’t really moving forward.

Oh dear. It’s the same story at the Hillside Oxer at 5 – it’s a set of big rails. Vincent Chase was ears forward and looking where he was going but gets drawn into the bottom of the fence and puts on the brakes. That’s a sad end to their Kentucky. But there’s another competition for this pair, on another day.

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Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]

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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

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This chipmunk will be hard to catch 🐿️ Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We’re back with the action at Defender Kentucky where the remaining 5* superstars are waiting in the wings to get their competition underway.

Yesterday we saw some quality dressage with scores to match – notably a new Kentucky record courtesy of Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH, who stamped down an 18.6 to storm into the lead overnight with a 9.8 point buffer over second place. A glance down the starting lineup for today suggests that we’re in for another exciting day’s sport. Will they topple King Michi? Um, probably perhaps not. But the big guns will be giving it a darned good go.

Boyd Martin will be bookending the day, heading into the ring with Luke 140 at 1:15pm EST / 7:15pm CEST before going Commando (3) 🫣 with EquiRatings’ third-best dressage horse in the field to wrap things up for the first phase of the 5* competition.

We’ll also see World No. 1 Tom McEwen bring forward Brookfield Quality, statistically the second-best dressage horse in the field, and Kiwi eventer extraordinaire, World No. 2 Tim Price will see what EquiRatings’ second-favorite for the win Falco can bring to the bluegrass.

Stay tuned ENers, we’ve got multiple boots on the ground and chinchillas locked onto live streams, bringing you all the content you can handle so you don’t have to miss a thing.

Find out everything you need to know about all of the competitors in our new-look Form Guide – you’ll find it here – and keep up with the live leaderboard here.

Before we head out between the white boards, a further ‘refresher’ of the no. 1 rule of following EN’s classic live blog – refresh, refresh, refresh and all will be revealed.

If you’re catching up with this later and are the type to like things in order, scroll ⬇️ and read ⬆️. If going backwards is more your jam, have at it.

As you know, here at EN we are very happy to type our fingers to the bone to bring our fellow eventing geeks all of the info, stories, fun, crazy, weird and wild that Defender Kentucky throws our way. You’ll find all of our blood, sweat, tears and hilarity right here. And that’s not all because you can never have too much eventing, right? Go behind-the-scenes with us on over on our Instagram channel @goeventing – follow along and get involved here.

Before we press on with the serious business of live blogging, here’s some links for your perusal:

▶️ Dressage Day One – Test-by-test Analysis
▶️ Dressage Day One – Full Report
▶️ Cosequin Lexington 4*-S Dressage Day One

The weather in Lexington is not feeling quite so kind today as it was yesterday ☔ although I guess that depends on your approach to life. While we’re waiting for the bell, here’s a couple of songs for the situation:

👍 For glass half-full folk
👎 For those less positively inclined

Umbrellas up, and go eventing!

Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]

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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

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6pm

UPDATE: Boyd Martin and Commando 3 are now safely situated alone in 2nd spot, after a slight amendment to the score. They are now on 26, which puts them 0.2 ahead of Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality in 3rd.

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4:14pm

SUMMARY OF THE DAY’S SPORT

EN’s classic full round-up will be with you in whatever time it takes for our elusive mascot Chinch to get his furry ass along to the media tent to have his say in what went down in the dressage ring, and help with the mountainous task of cutting the whole thing down from epic doorstop novel to more of a novella – the struggle is real, guys, real. Eyes on the website for it dropping as soon as a team of superhumans and a chinchilla can make that possible.

Until then, here’s a quick re-cap of what today’s dressage brought…

1️⃣ 🇩🇪 Heading the charge as tomorrow’s cross country beckons is Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH who are sitting pretty 7.6 points ahead of their nearest competitors on a score of 18.6.

2️⃣ 🇬🇧 Hunting down the chipmunk in joint-second is Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality who are on a score of 26.2.

2️⃣ 🇺🇸 Sharing second spot is Boyd Martin and Commando 3 who are also leading the USEF National 5* Championship on a score of 26.2.

4️⃣ 🇩🇪 In fourth is another German, making her 5* debut is Libussa Lübbeke and Caramia 34, just 0.9 behind second place on a score of 27.1, in what was a very impressive test at their first time at the level.

You’ll find the full leaderboard right here.

But the scores aren’t everything, oh no. Yes, we’ve got big hitters gunning for the win, but eventing is about so much more than that. Here’s a quick run-down of some points of note from today’s competition:

🎇 Fireworks Avoided – Right from the off, Shannon Lilley had her hands full with Eindhoven Garette. He was kind of opinionated throughout the test but Shannon really did a great job of holding things together. He was really trying to do everything right but he’s so ready for tomorrow. He left the ring looking like he thought he’d done good. And he did. He could have really let loose in there. 10/10 for both horse and rider, really. They finished up on a score of 39.8.

🔔 Whoopsie – Today’s whoopsie was an unfortunate error of course for Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna, a real shame but this kind of 💩 happens to us all. Things started to unravel a bit after that and ‘Sid’ had a couple of moments, including into the final halt. A tricky day at the office for the pair. They scored 38.2.

👏 Bowed to the Crowd – Imperio Magic sure made the most of the applause at the end of his first 5* dressage test, bowing to the crowd as he gave his nose a scratch. Very cute. Mary Bess Davis had a solid start to her debut at the level with some convincing highlights and some things to go home and work on as her 5* career continues. They sit on a score of 39.8.

🤨 Grumpy Guy – The grumpy guy award definitely goes to Cooley Space Grey. Man, that guy is in this game for the cross country. He did everything Brooke Burchianti asked of him. But he wasn’t going to smile while he did it. He wasn’t upset by anything, he absolutely knows his job. He’s just a huge personality – fun, and fabulous when he’s galloping and jumping, but not so easy between the white boards. They scored 46.4. They may very well stay on that score though…

🌧️ Rain Men – Kentucky rain kept pouring down and we had a very wet trio of men as the competition got into the final stages. Someone better have snapped a photo because it would make for an interesting posterboy type thing. Maybe. The rain came down, and sideways, and down, and down. Tim Price and Falco bore the brunt of the early onslaught, but delivered a polished performance for a score of 27.8 and fifth place, a smidge better than his Maryland score when he finished runner-up. Harry Meade did not fare so well on new ride Grafennacht. The rain was dripping off ‘Lillie’s nose as she fought her way through the downpour and she struggled to focus on her work in the difficult conditions. They scored 35.2, a little way off her Maryland score of 26.1 with former rider William Fox-Pitt where she finished second. And boy(d) oh boy(d) did Boyd Martin need his love of being wet and cold to help him through today. Commando 3 was an absolute superstar as he performed his test in the pouring rain. He didn’t miss a beat. So polished. So professional. So good. The rain stopped just as they circled back to the center line for the final halt. A well-deserved joint-second spot for them, on a score of 26.2.

Over in the 4*, the second half of the competitors had their turn in the dressage ring. Here’s how things are looking in that formidable field:

1️⃣ 🇺🇸 Taking the lead in today’s session, sitting in top spot is Will Coleman and Off The Record with a score of 21.8.

2️⃣ 🇺🇸 It’s a Dutton double for the rest of the rolling podium, with Phillip Dutton taking over his own lead this morning to sit in second place at this point in proceedings with Possante on a score of 23.1.

3️⃣ 🇺🇸 Phillip slid down two places after holding the overnight lead with Denim to finish up the final phase in third on a score of 25.6.

You’ll find the full leaderboard right here.

But the story of the dressage thus far has got to be Michael Jung’s enviable lead as he broke his own Kentucky record and pulled way ahead of the pack with fischerChipmunk FRH. If he finishes on his dressage score it’ll be the lowest-ever finishing score at 5*. And thus I’ll see myself out with a final musical offering 🧑‍🎤

Keep it locked onto EN for full reports coming your way and join me back with the live blog for ALL of the cross country tomorrow.

The 4* gets underway at 9am EST / 3pm CEST.
The 5* starts at 1:30pm EST / 7:30pm CEST.

Dressage is done. It’s the best day tomorrow. Go eventing!

Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]

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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

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3:57pm

A musical interlude whilst you await today’s summary…

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3:50pm

And so there we have it. Defender Kentucky 5* dressage is in the bag and we have ourselves a leaderboard going into tomorrow’s cross country.

1️⃣ 🇩🇪 Leading the pack is Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH who laid it all down in the dressage ring to sit on a score of 18.6, 7.6 penalties ahead of the rest of the field.

2️⃣ 🇬🇧 Chasing the top spot is Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality who showed their mettle between the white boards for a score of 26.2.

2️⃣ 🇺🇸 Also hunting down the leader in joint-second is Boyd Martin and Commando 3 who are also leading the USEF National 5* Championship on a score of 26.2.

4️⃣ 🇩🇪 Just 0.9 behind second place, in fourth, is Libussa Lübbeke and Caramia 34 on a score of 27.1.

You’ll find the full leaderboard right here.

Stay tuned (and don’t forget to hit refresh) for a summary of the day’s sport headed your way right here on the live blog and keep it locked onto the website for EN’s classic full report – coming soon.

I’ll be back live blogging tomorrow, typing ‘til I can’t type no more as I bring you ALL of the cross country action – yep, we’ve got the 4* and the 5* coming your way. Don’t miss it!

The start box beckons for the 4* competitors at 9am EST / 3pm CEST when Lisa Barry and Rosie’s Aventadora get cross country day underway.

The 5* get to have their say from 1:30pm EST / 7:30pm CEST when trailblazers Tim Price and Jarillo will give us our first look at Derek’s 2025 offering.

Eyes on EN for what promises to be an awesome Saturday at The Best Weekend All Year.

Go eventing!

Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]

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EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

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3:33pm

🇺🇸 Boyd Martin and Commando 3

Boyd Martin and Commando 3. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

This is it, the final horse and rider to put their score on the board in the 2025 Kentucky 5*. ‘Connor’ is the third-best dressage horse in the field according to EquiRatings, so we could be in for a shake-up here. Eyes on ENers, Boyd’s going commando… 🫣

Oh bod(d), that rain! It’s pouring on poor Boyd and ‘Connor’. Although Boyd doesn’t mind being cold and wet…

They’re certainly not looking as though it’s bothering them. The early trot work is very smooth and fluent and there are lots of great marks coming in.

The halt at C is very strong and the reinback is very clean and easy. Scores are trending in the high 7s.

The walk is relaxed enough and the rain doesn’t seem to be affecting them, amazingly. It’s hammering. Oh my goodness. What an incredible horse this is. He’s just continuing on with his work. He obviously trusts Boyd implicitly.

The canter work is very soft and accurate to begin, although the first change is tricky. The second one comes through but is quite big – expensive mistakes. The third is great. Boyd is laser focused and Connor is being so impressively good in very difficult conditions.

Oh! The rain stops just as they circle back to the center line. The crowd goes wild. Boyd punches the air. Him and Connor are soaked through but smiling. What a super, super horse and what a pro Boyd is.

Great score incoming… They go into joint-second with Tom McEwen. Boyd’s in 1st, 2nd, 3rd in the USEF National 5* Championships.

Boyd Martin and Commando 3 score 26.2.

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3:25pm

🇬🇧 Harry Meade and Grafennacht

Harry Meade and Grafennacht. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The penultimate combination of the day, and the dressage phase at Kentucky, Harry and ‘Lillie’ are over from the UK to take on the bluegrass. This mare is amongst the best dressage horses in the field. Where will she make her mark on the board with current World No. 4 Mr Meade? Incoming…

The weather seems to have settled now as Harry makes his way round the ring waiting for the bell. He looks very serious as he starts his test. Lillie has a look around in the halt and Harry just reminds her to save all that ’til after. She softens and they set off into trot.

This mare really has a lovely quality to her trot work. She’s light and expressive and the movements are flowing and look easy for her.

The rain’s back, it’s dripping off Lillie’s nose.

There’s an early mistake when Lillie breaks into canter in the trot work, but Harry brings everything back quickly. The halt at C is good and the reinback is accurate enough. Harry has to work to keep her attention in the walk but she’s relaxed enough and her quality’s clear. The pirouettes are clean. Lillie’s still looking around a little as she trots before the canter transition. She settles a bit more once she gets going though.

The scores have dropped slightly in the canter work. Harry obviously doesn’t feel he can push in the extended and things start to unravel a little. Things aren’t as smooth as Harry would have liked. Everything’s happening but it’s not as solid as we might have expected from this mare.

The weather is really, really difficult. The rain’s hitting them sideways. They both do a great job of holding things together as they come back to the center line and halts. Lillie looks up at the crowd as she finishes and there’s a big cheer for her efforts. He waves to the crowd as they walk out of the ring. A masterclass of riding, as always, in difficult conditions. They go into 17th just behind Harry’s other ride Et Hop Du Matz.

Harry Meade and Grafennacht score 35.2.

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3:17pm

🇳🇿 Tim Price and Falco

Tim Price and Falco. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

This Kiwi combination are the third-last to go. Falco is one of the best dressage horses in the field. Will he shake things up? EquiRatings have them down as second-favorite for the win. Eyes on 👀

Tim’s got his game face on as he canters straight down the center line in the pouring rain, which it seems is back to see us out today. They score a 7 for the halt and then set off into a very supple trot. Scores increase as we see just how extravagant this horse is in his extended. This is top quality work so far.

There’s lovely bend and flow in the lateral work as the rain really does start hammering down. Oh, poor Tim. People are taking cover in the crowd. Falco is being so good. He’s focused and concentrated on Tim and the marks are continuing to rise.

The walk is relaxed enough but the scores drop slightly. They get back into trot and the scores are on the up again. Falco’s canter is balanced and soft and Tim makes the changes happen. They’re clean but won’t get the really big marks. Trending scores are still in the 7s.

They come back around onto the center line and halt square to a big cheer and a “Go Tim!”. Those were not easy conditions for this pair, but Falco was so good and tried so hard. A nice sub-30 score incoming… Yup, and into 4th.

Tim Price and Falco score 27.8.

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3:09pm

🇬🇧 Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri

Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We’ve got some exciting tests ahead as we wrap-up the dressage at Kentucky 5*, and here’s one of them. Expect sub-30 for sure. EquiRatings has Dyri down as the fourth-best dressage horse in the field. The gelding celebrated being accepted at the first horse inspection with a few fireworks 🎇 Save it ‘til the end, buddy…

Things look to be well under wraps as they start their test with a very square, totally immobile halt. There’s a walk step into the trot but when they get going it’s nice and soft. The extended is lovely and then the horse comes back very easily.

There’s a lot of cadence in the lateral work and then another very good halt at C. The reinback isn’t quite straight but it’s accurate. They head off into the walk work and Dyri is relaxed and stepping through nicely. They’re smooth into the first pirouette and Dyri’s really listening to Lucienne. The second pirouette isn’t quite as smooth as the first, but it’s clean and accurate.

They go back into a confident trot and then set off into a balanced and rhythmical canter. The horse looks happy and comfortable in the work and is performing everything accurately. The changes are sound on the whole, the last one was a bit unfortunate. Nothing looks to be concerning in this test, you can just sit back and enjoy it. There’s a slight loss of balance round the turn back to the center line but overall this test has been solid and sound. Horse and rider clearly work well together and Lucienne’ll be very pleased with their efforts today.

Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri score 33.7.

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3:01pm

🇦🇺 Ema Klugman and Bronte Beach Z

Ema Klugman and Bronte Beach Z. Photo by Sally Spickard.

‘Bronte’ scored a clear round in the first horse inspection, jumping over the flower decoration with room to spare 🌺 More dressage, less show jumping today though, please!

They make a seriously straight entry up the center line, really rhythmical and balanced. The halt isn’t super smooth but oh, when they get into the trot work we really see Bronte’s lightness and suppleness. Beautiful range in the extended, which is expressive and fluent. This is looking to be a very confident test so far.

Bronte looks around in the halt at C but gets the steps in the reinback. They set off into walk and Ema encourages Bronte to take the contact forward in the extended. The walk’s not quite as fluent as the trot work and a little tension creeps in on the turn into the line of pirouettes. Bronte’s anticipating the trot transition but there’s a pirouette to get done first. Ema’s patient though and makes it happen. Beautifully ridden.

They set out into a really rhythmical canter but there’s the feeling that there’s an awful lot of energy bubbling away underneath. Bronte’s being so good, listening and trying and happy in the work. Everything’s very clean and accurate and this is a picture of a horse and rider really working together.

There’s a tiny trot into the final halt. The quality’s definitely there but there were a couple of moments where things weren’t quite together, with expensive changes and some tension in the walk. Bronte looks relaxed walking out on the buckle. First phase done, the best one to go.

Ema Klugman and Bronte Beach Z score 38.8.

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2:53pm

🇺🇸 Matthew Brown and Alderwood

Matt Brown and Alderwood. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Just five more combinations to go after Matt and ‘Dan’. Matt had matched his sneakers to his tie for the first horse inspection, going for a bold yellow look. Suits you sir!

Alderwood’s making his 5* debut at Kentucky but he doesn’t seem to be letting the huge atmosphere bother him as he calmly works around the ring waiting for the bell.

They canter up the center line and start off with a square halt. Dan gets a bit upset after the halt as Matt asks for trot. There’s a very nervous moment. Dan’s spooking and won’t go forward. The wind’s picked up and he’s looking straight at a stand of flags. Matt encourages him though and they get going.

Dan starts to settle as he focuses on the work. Matt did a really great job to get his confidence back up. Things are going well until he comes round the corner before the halt at C, when Dan’s eye gets caught out of the ring again and there’s another moment. Matt’s so calm though, and they manage the halt and reinback nicely enough.

There’s the hint of a jig jog throughout the walk and Matt’s having to keep things together. The pirouettes are obviously going to be difficult but actually, they happen really well considering the horse isn’t as focused as Matt would like him to be.

Dan takes a breath in the trot work and things get back together. Unfortunately he taps the board which unsettles him a little, but then they head off into canter and can settle down a little.

The first change is nice and so is the second, they both come through and are accurate. The third is a smidge late behind. This is really impressive work on a horse that started off a little upset. But then there’s a break in the canter. Matt gets him quickly back. They finish up with a nice halt.

Matt gives Dan a lovely neck rub, really showing Dan that it’s OK. That was a tough ride for Matt but he really gave his horse confidence and Dan will have learned a lot and gained a bunch of experience in the ring today. He walks out happier and more relaxed than he came in, which is just what we want to see for these horses.

Matthew Brown and Alderwood score 41.

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2:45pm

🇺🇸 Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic

Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Rookie combo alert! Mary Bess vaulted competitively until she was 19. So galloping across country must be like a tame walk in the park to her, then.

Quick weather update – the rain has stopped.

Back to Mary Bess and Imperio Magic. They come into the ring and get their first 5* off to a solid start. There’s a hind off the center line in the halt. They set off into trot and look to be working nicely together. The steps are balanced and accurate on the whole. There could be a little more softness in the circles and lateral work for the big marks, but this is a sweet picture of a horse trying hard for his rider.

The halt is brief and the reinback is slightly sticky. They set off into walk and Imperio Magic is relaxed enough at the beginning, but begins to anticipate before the first pirouette and the tail swishes with a little jog step. The pirouette is quite tentative. The second happens well enough.

They go back into trot before transitioning to canter, when things seem to relax slightly. Mary Bess pushes for the extended but Imperio Magic offers a change at the end before changing back. He’s trying almost too hard, it seems. The changes are all there and the scores are trending on the whole just under 6. Solid and accurate.

Imperio Magic stops for a scratch on the way out of the ring, bowing to the crowd. He’s worked really hard. There’s a big cheer as they walk out and a huge pat for Imperio Magic. Overall, a very good 5* debut test, with some homework for next time.

Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic score 39.8.

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2:37pm

🇦🇺 Rebecca Braitling and Caravaggio II

Bec Braitling and Caravaggio. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Oof, this is one gorgeous guy 🤩 ‘Ernie’ was my pick of the first horse inspection.

Bec gets a very steady entry up the center line, holding together all that power. An impressive picture to start. The trot work is soft and the horse really is trying hard. It’s not quite as fluid as some of the horses we’ve seen, but they’re clearly a partnership working together.

The halt at C isn’t quite as good as the first and the reinback is a little sticky. They set off into walk and Bec asks Ernie to stretch forward in the extended, but there’s a tiny jog at the end. He’s anticipating the tricky pirouettes. Bec navigates the first very carefully but she’s got to be tentative going into the second. There’s a lot of power and energy going on under the surface. She really helps him round the second.

They’re happy to get back into trot and then even happier to be in canter. The horse is really trying hard to do everything asked of him. The work is neat on the whole, until the first change. That’s tricky for this horse, he kind of jumps into it. He anticipates the second and there’s a bit of a moment. The tension’s really on the increase in these tricky movements.

Bec’s having to hold things together and does so really well into the third change, which is much better than the first two. They circle neatly enough back onto the center line and finish up with a nice halt.

This horse is so powerful and he’s obviously super fit and so ready for cross country. Bec did a great job holding all that together. There were some nice movements and some tricky moments.

Rebecca Braitling and Caravaggio II score 40.3.

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🚜 We’re heading into a short break now. Competition resumes at 2:37pm EST when we’ll find out what the leaderboard will look like as we head into tomorrow’s cross country. Back in a bit! 🚜

EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

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2:19pm

🇺🇸 Caroline Pamukcu and She’s The One

Caroline Pamukcu and She’s the One. Photo by Sally Spickard.

‘Gemma’ thought the jog at the first horse inspection was in fact the warm up for cross country and took off to jump the first. Will she be as keen for the dressage?

This pair get off to a solid start with the first movements coming up accurately and cleanly. Nothing’s big wow, but everything’s happening as it should. Scores in the 6s overall at the start of this test.

The trot work is very consistent and balanced. The halt at C is very good, but Gemma’s looking around a little. Caroline makes sure that she gets the instability. That was a brave move.

They set off into the walk work and Gemma is relaxed and happy enough. The first pirouette is very neat and tidy and the second one is too, maybe a tiny bit sticky in the first step. They go back into trot and then Gemma anticipates the canter transition and puts her nose up. Caroline pushes forward though and things quickly settle.

Caroline’s brave in the extended canter and we get to see Gemma’s power. Scores are still consistently mid-6s.

The changes are a little tricky, with a slight loss of rhythm, and there’s some tension creeping in. The canter isn’t as smooth as the trot work thus far.

They come round into an abrupt halt, but it’s square. The horse tried really hard in this test on her first time at the level. A very good showing overall.

Caroline Pamukcu and She’s The One score 35.3.

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2:11pm

🇺🇸 Shannon Lilley and Eindhoven Garette

Shannon Lilley and Eindhoven Garette. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Rookie combo alert! This guy’s affectionately known as ‘Gare Bear’ at home 🐻 which is just too cute!

They’re pretty straight on the entry but there’s quite a step sideways into the halt. The gelding picks his head up and it looks as though Shannon’s got her hands full here.

She really does a good job of settling this horse into the trot work. He’s started really listening to her and the scores improve as things go on. There’s a tail swish into the halt, but it’s square and then Eindhoven Garette is willing enough in the reinback.

They head off into walk and he tries to take the contact forward for the extended, but then there’s a little conversation going on as Shannon asks him to come back. This guy is not a fan of the pirouette. He shortens in his neck and his ears go back. This is not an easy ride for Shannon but she navigates the movements carefully and they get round. He’s happier once he gets going forwards again.

The canter work is a little tight, but the horse is listening to Shannon. He has a little to say about the changes. He stomps a bit into them. But he’s trying hard. They come back around to the center line and the final halt is much better than the last. Eindhoven Garette pokes his nose forward as he walks out the ring. He thinks he’s done good.

Shannon Lilley and Eindhoven Garette score 39.8.

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2:03pm

🇬🇧 Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality

Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

World No. 1 Tom was runner-up in the Kentucky 5* last year, and the year before. Third time even luckier? The numbers guys at EquiRatings have this pair down as third-favorite for the win. It’s all to play for in the Horse Park and not a bad shout to be sitting on, statistically, the second-best dressage horse in the field.

‘Norris’ sure is showing his quality as he trots round the ring waiting for the bell. Ooo, this is going to be an exciting one…

Tom is serious as he comes dead straight up the center line and halts perfectly square. That looked like a flawless entry. They set off into a relaxed, flowing trot and then Tom pushes in the extended. It’s all so soft and light. The circle is flowing and the lateral work just looks so easy.

The halt at C is solid and the reinback no problem for this pair. Trending scores are exciting… Not quite at the same level as Michael’s though.

The walk is as excellent quality as the trot and the pirouettes are smooth. Oh, a tiny miscommunication happens in the transition to trot. Tiny. Tom gets Norris straight back.

They set off into canter, still soft and relaxed. The horse is confident and everything looks very easy for him. The push in the extended is impressive.

The flying changes are so accurate and true, not huge, but great. Scores are still trending for this pair to go into second place.

They finish up their test with another excellent halt and Tom gives Norris a big pat. More quality dressage at the Horse Park. That was a great test from this exciting pair. Into second they go, narrowing Michael’s gulf of a lead.

Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality score 26.2.

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1:55pm

🇺🇸 Brooke Burchianti and Cooley Space Grey

Brooke Burchianti and Cooley Space Gray. Photo by Sally Spickard.

‘Astro’ took the opportunity to kick up his heels at the first horse inspection with a buck so perfect it looked choreographed. Let’s keep the dance moves a little more dressage today, hey?

They’re lovely and straight up the center line but there’s a bit of a step in the halt. Brooke puts that right behind her and goes into trot. Astro’s showing his readiness for cross country. There’s a tricky moment and Brooke’s having to sit tight. She gets him back on side and things improve. He’s just full of cross country dreams.

They halt at C and Astro lifts his head in the reinback. He’s not really working with Brooke right now. He’s not upset at all, totally comfortable, just this isn’t his favorite bit of eventing. They set off into walk and there are some jig jogs throughout but Brooke keeps things under wraps.

Astro’s playing with the contact in the short piece of trot between the walk and the canter. He looks happy to get going when they transition to the quicker pace. He’s performing all the movements but kind of on his own terms. This is a horse with a huge personality. Fun, but perhaps not so easy in the dressage.

They come back round and halt to a big cheer. The final halt is also done Astro style, kind of diagonal over the center line. He looks very pleased with himself. He’ll be even more delighted when he gets onto the cross country course. He’s one to watch tomorrow, for sure.

Brooke Burchianti and Cooley Space Grey score 46.4.

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1:47pm

🇺🇸 Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre

Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Rookie combo alert! At just 20 years old, Cassie’s the youngest rider in the field this year.

They get their Kentucky off to a sound start with a square halt, although there’s a little bobble going into the trot. Cassie settles Redfield Fyre quickly into his work though. The trot work is considered and clean on the whole and Cassie’s really riding well on her first time at the level.

There’s a step into the halt at C, which is kind of brief, but the reinback is clean. They continue on into walk and the horse stretches nicely into the contact in the extended. His head comes up as Cassie shortens the reins in preparation for the pirouette but is back very quickly. Cassie does a good job of keeping things under control there.

Redfield Fyre seems happier in the canter and Cassie’s brave in the extended. Scores are trending in the 6s overall. The changes aren’t quite there, they’ll be expensive. He’s not always got his hind underneath him, which made the changes really tough.

They circle back onto the center line and halt to finish their first 5* test. That was a great job on the whole, from both horse and rider. A very pleasing picture to begin with some unfortunate mistakes in the changes. Not bad for your first go out there.

Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre score 37.9.

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1:39pm

🇳🇿 Monica Spencer and Artist

Monica Spencer and Artist. Photo by Sally Spickard.

‘Max’ was pretty as a picture and ready to run at the first horse inspection. Just a small matter of the dressage test first, please.

This pair look totally on the same page as they come up the center line. Max is so soft and supple, light on his feet and expressive. The extended trot in the early part of the test is particularly impressive. Early scores are trending in the 7s across the board.

They halt just past C which affects the score a little and then the reinback comes easy. Max settles into the walk but the scores are slightly lower than they were for the trot work. The second pirouette is a little wide. They set back off into trot and then go cleanly into canter. They really are working so beautifully together.

The extended canter is great. Max really showed off his power and extension. The changes are very clean and correct, not hugely expressive but very solid. Max tightens a little in his neck in the lateral work but Monica’s supporting him. He anticipates the final change and Monica does a great job getting that through clean.

They finish up back in the 7s for the final halt. This test has been a picture throughout. Really strong and accurate. A good score incoming…

Monica Spencer and Artist score 29.3.

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1:31pm

🇺🇸 Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna

Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

‘Sid’ gave the judges a wave at the first horse inspection 👋 Katherine’d quite like it if he kept the niceties to a minimum today.

Katherine and Sid get their Kentucky underway in the rain. Sid doesn’t look too bothered by it though and he’s being a good boy thus far, much more relaxed than at the horse inspection. He’s listening to Kathering and producing some strong trot work.

The halt secure and the reinback is clean and accurate. They set off into a neat walk until there’s a little jig at the end of the change of rein. Sid settles quickly though. They navigate the pirouettes cleanly enough, although a little tight, and set off back into trot. Sids blowing out as he continues in trot, showing that tension that crept in over the pirouettes.

They get going into the canter work and Sid is looking a bit short in the neck, just that little bit of tension making itself known. And oh no, the bell’s rung. Ah, an error of course. That’s a shame.

OK, they’re back on track and things come undone a bit. Sid’s getting a bit excited in the first changes. Katherine’s doing a great job with him. They come back onto the center line and Katherine must be taking a huge sigh of relief as Sid has a little moment coming into the halt. Phew. He’ll be glad to get out onto cross country on Saturday.

Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna score 38.2.

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1:23pm

🇩🇪 Libussa Lübbeke and Caramia 34

Libussa Lubekke and Caramia 34. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Keeping it in the family, Libussa’s brother used to ride ‘Carla’ before Libussa took on the ride and brought the mare up to the 5* level, finishing top-10 on her debut at Luhmühlen last year.

They enter up the center line in the pouring rain and really do create an impressive picture. Libussa’s taking her time and they very quickly get into a really lovely rhythm.

The trot work is very smooth and the horse looks very comfortable in her work. They halt square at C and the reinback is accurate. Scores in the 7s coming in on the whole.

The mare is nice and relaxed in the walk work and navigates the pirouette neatly, albeit with a bit of tail swishing. Libussa takes a breath before asking for trot and Caramia responds softly.

They get into canter and the scores continue in the 7s. This pair look very comfortable together and very confident. The changes are accurate, helped by Libussa’s accurate riding – she gets perfectly straight on the center line before asking for the change. Lovely work.

They circle back onto the center line and halt square. There’s a squeal from the crowd and lots of support for what has been a very sweet and easy to watch test. Plenty of pats for Caramia who stretches her neck right down. They’re very relaxed as they leave the ring. There’s a delay in their scoring coming in. I’ll update it as soon as it comes up.

UPDATE: Score in

Libussa Lübbeke and Caramia 34 score 27.1

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1:15pm

🇺🇸 Boyd Martin and Luke 140

Boyd Martin and Luke 140. Photo by Alex Jeffery.

This cool guy just loves to roll, like, anywhere. (Luke, not Boyd, although who actually knows for sure?) Not in the dressage ring though please, not there…

There’s cheers in the crowd as Boyd canters round the ring waiting for the bell. Not sure if they’re for him, but this is Boyd, so perhaps.

He comes up the center line looking to mean business. They set off into a loose and supple trot and Luke seems like he’s right on his game, despite the heavy rain.

He’s very soft in the lateral work and is clearly listening to Boyd. There’s a bit of a tail swish going into the halt, but it’s very good nonetheless and the scores continue to trend in the 7s. The reinback is accurate and they set off into a relaxed walk.

Luke is settled and relaxed as he comes into the first pirouette. It could have been a little more fluid on the way round but the second one is more flowing.

They get going with the canter work and there’s more of the same quality. Everything looks so easy, it’s clean and accurate and they create a picture of a horse and rider working in partnership. The first flying change is very good but the second is a little late behind. The third is good. Scores are still in the 7s. The final change is great. The ones with the double coefficient were both very good.

There’s a huge cheer as they halt and salute to end their test and Boyd waves to the crowd as he walks out of the ring. Overall this test was soft and accurate – easy – and there’s a nice score coming in for them… They go into second, slotting in above Clarke Johnstone and Tim Price, the joint-second placers overnight.

Boyd Martin and Luke 140 score 27.6.

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