Germany’s Michael Jung is no stranger to the top of the scoreboard at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ (K3DE). While the fact he took the lead after Thursday’s dressage test was not a surprise, his record-breaking score of 18.6 was. The exceptional score garnered by FischerChipmunk FRH broke Jung’s previous CCI5*-L record of 20.1 set at K3DE in 2022 and leaves him well in front of Tim Price (NZL) with Jarillo and Clarke Johnstone (NZL) with Menlo Park, who are tied for second on scores of 28.4. Price is also in fourth place with Happy Boy on a score of 29.1. (Canada’s only entry, Jessica Phoenix with Fluorescent Adolescent, sits 11th after day 1 with 36.8.)
“I’m very happy to be here again,” said Jung, a four-time Olympian. “I really love this place, this show; everything is how you wish to have it for a competition. Everything worked like I wished today in the test.”
Produced by Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), a non-profit, charitable organization that supports the development of equestrian sports by staging sporting events at the highest level, the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian features one of only seven annual 5* three-day events in the world. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the event annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences and a wide array of demonstrations. In addition to the traditional CCI5*-L, the event also features the Cosequin® Lexington 4* and the Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.