As the eyes of the equestrian world turn to Lexington for the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, elite show jumping takes center stage alongside it with the Kentucky International CSI5*. A glittering lineup of top international combinations will take to the Rolex Stadium with serious form and firepower.

U.S. Contenders: Formidable and On Fire

Kent Farrington & Greya

Kent Farrington enters with a double threat, and Greya is the queenpin of the field. Ranked No. 1 in the field with an Elo of 770, she is currently the top-rated U.S. horse and boasts 5 clears from her last 9 rounds at five-star 160 level. With two five-star Grand Prix wins already under her belt in 2025, both in Wellington, Greya brings both class and momentum.

Kent Farrington & Toulayna

Farrington's second ride, Toulayna, is no sidekick. Ranked second in the field this week with an Elo of 764, she also sits within the Top 20 globally-rated horses. Her recent stats show 6 clears in her last 10 rounds at the top level — evidence of a mare on a serious upward trajectory.

Laura Kraut & Bisquetta

Another heavy-hitter in red, white, and blue: Bisquetta, partnered with Olympic Team Silver medallist Laura Kraut, comes in ranked 7th in the field with an Elo of 739. They arrive with a flawless 100% clear round record over their last 10 international rounds at CSI4* & 5* at 150cm and above. They also stood proudly on the podium U.S. Equestrian Open Jumping Final, Rolex Grand Prix of Wellington and they’ll be out to add another five-star clear here in Lexington.

International Challengers: Chasing U.S. Supremacy

Christian Kukuk & Just Be Gentle (GER)

The reigning Olympic Champion brings fire to Lexington with Just Be Gentle, ranked 5th in the field on an Elo of 747. This pair helped Germany to the podium in Ocala’s Longines League of Nations and also took top honours the Grand Prix there, proving their synergy is lethal at the top level.

Darragh Kenny & Eddy Blue (IRL)

Ireland’s Eddy Blue holds the title of highest-rated Irish horsewith an Elo of 755 and comes in with a consistent record: clear over fences in four consecutive five-star Grand Prix or World Cup first rounds, including a podium finish in Wellington. Kenny and Eddy are riding a quiet storm of consistency, just the kind of form that breaks through under the Saturday Night Lights.

Conor Swail & Casturano (IRL)

If you want a horse made for Kentucky, look no further. Casturano and Conor Swail are the defending champions of this Grand Prix.  As a matter of fact, Conor has never jumped a Grand Prix on Kentucky Horse Trials weekend without producing a clear round. With past wins in 2022 and 2024, and a podium in 2018, the Irish rider enters on serious venue form.

Ones to Watch

The top 10 are stacked with familiar names, so watch out for stars like Shane Sweetnam & James Kann Cruz, currently 6th in the field (Elo 745) with a 56% clear rate at five-star 160cm, and Lillie Keenan & Argan De Beliard, coming off a high with their Top 3 finish in Wellington.

Final Thoughts

With over 10 horses rated over 700 Elo, the Kentucky International CSI5* field boasts a competitive field. Between Farrington’s powerhouse pair, Kukuk’s winning form, and Swail’s unmatched Kentucky record, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown in the Rolex Stadium. Whether it's a rising star making their mark or a seasoned name reclaiming the spotlight, the Kentucky International promises edge-of-your-seat action from start to finish.