INSIDE KENTUCKY PODCAST

We're breaking down the Defender Kentucky 5-Star and the Cosequin Kentucky 4-Star Short, offering insights into the athletes and horses gearing up for their moment in the spotlight.

Join Rosie Russell, Nicole Brown and Diarm Byrne as they delve into the stories of redemption, Olympic dreams, and the sheer thrill of competition. With updates that have shaken up the leaderboard and a palpable buzz of anticipation. New episodes will drop the week before the event each April and are packed with analysis and predictions you won't want to miss!

2025

April 23, 2025
Introducing the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event Fan Guide Whether you’re a seasoned spectator or a first-time fan, this guide is your go-to resource for navigating the biggest weekend in U.S. eventing. Inside, you’ll find: • Expert predictions and top contenders 🐎 • Phase-by-phase breakdowns 📝 • Past winners and historical highlights 🏅 • Everything you need to follow the weekend with confidence 📖 Flip through the Fan Guide and join us for an unforgettable ride at #K3DE!
April 23, 2025
The wait is over — the Inside Kentucky Preview Show is here.  Nicole Brown and Sam Watson set the scene for one of the most competitive Defender Kentuckys we’ve seen in years. The field is stacked, the conditions could shake things up, and the storylines are electric. Can Boyd Martin finally win on home soil with one of the strongest strings he’s ever brought? Will Michael Jung and Chipmunk bounce back in style? And Tim Price and Tom McEwen are quietly turning up the heat in the world number one race. Over in the Cosequin® 4*-S, Olympic veterans and rising stars like HSH Blake and Off The Record headline a field stacked with serious contenders. This episode is everything you need to sound clever in the group chat all week long— top picks, and the numbers that matter and why this year’s Defender Kentucky is a must-follow. Highlights: Boyd’s all-in: why this is more than just another five-star for Team Martin Chipmunk and Michi — the comeback everyone’s watching World number one? Tim and Tom are both making a case Four-star form guide: Caroline and Blake, and the other combos ready to surprise One stat that shows just how close Kentucky came to rewriting the record books Guests: Nicole Brown – Eventing Podcast host Sam Watson – Data analyst, five-star rider, and co-founder of EquiRatings EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Catch up on all of our Inside Kentucky episodes wherever you get your podcasts, and stay in the loop by following Defender Kentucky on Instagram and Facebook !
April 18, 2025
He’s got 65 international wins, three powerhouse horses, and unfinished business at Defender Kentucky. In this episode of Inside Kentucky, Boyd Martin joins the show to talk about his road to the 2025 five-star — from early wins Down Under to the lessons of a career comeback after hip surgery. With Commando 3, Fedarman B, and Luke 140 all peaking at the right time, Boyd shares what it’s like chasing the dream, building the horsepower, and why Kentucky still feels like home. Plus, hear his unfiltered take on what makes the American eventing crowds the best in the world. Highlights: 65 wins and counting: Boyd’s road from Werribee to the world stage Inside the stable: How Commando 3, Fedarman B, and Luke 140 are shaping up for Kentucky Why five-star wins mean more than ever in today’s sport Honest talk: injuries, setbacks, and chasing world number one What makes Defender Kentucky so special — and how US fans steal the show Guests: Boyd Martin – US Olympic rider and 65-time international winner Hosted by Nicole Brown Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.  Catch up on all of our Inside Kentucky episodes wherever you get your podcasts, and stay in the loop by following Defender Kentucky on Instagram and Facebook !
Inside Kentucky Podcast 2025 Episode 1 Image
April 4, 2025
Who Beats Chipmunk? Inside the 2025 Kentucky Entry Reveal...It’s that time again — the road to Kentucky is officially underway. For the first time, the various media teams behind the scenes joined forces for a special “entry reaction” podcast to break down the big names
March 28, 2025
Learn about this year's favorites, top horses, the strength of the field, and more.

2024

April 24, 2024
Get ready for the ultimate showdown at the Kentucky Horse Park! As the excitement builds, we're breaking down the Defender Kentucky 5-Star and the Cosequin Kentucky 4-Star Short, offering insights into the athletes and horses gearing up for their moment in the spotlight. Join Rosie Russell, Nicole Brown and Diarm Byrne as they delve into the stories of redemption, Olympic dreams, and the sheer thrill of competition. With updates that have shaken up the leaderboard and a palpable buzz of anticipation, this episode is packed with analysis and predictions you won't want to miss as we head into one of eventing's most prestigious weeks. Click here to buy tickets to The Best Weekend All Year! Don't forget to follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast on Instagram and Facebook .
April 16, 2024
Tune into the Inside Kentucky: US vs Europe as Diarm Byrne and Frankie Thieriot Stutes dive deep into the transatlantic rivalry shaping up at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. We discuss the resurgence of American contenders and the continuing dominance of European champions in the eventing world. From Philip Dutton's quest for another Olympics to the impressive performances expected from US and European riders, this episode unpacks the strategies, stakes, and stories as both continents gear up for an unforgettable competition. Listen for free across all podcast platforms. Buy tickets to The Best Weekend All Year here !
April 3, 2024
Dive into the heart of the competition with entries out for both the Defender Kentucky Five-Star and the Cosequin Kentucky Four-Star Short. With Paris on the horizon, both classes are packed with top contenders aiming for glory. Discover the strategies and hopes of World Champions and emerging talents alike, as we break down the key battles.
March 22, 2024
Dive into the world of course design and building for the iconic Defender Kentucky with our first Inside Kentucky show of 2024. This show offers a glimpse behind the scenes with Derek di Grazia, Jay Hambly, Mick Costello, Tyson Rementer, and Levi Ryckewaert, the masterminds crafting the challenges and beauty of the Kentucky cross-country course. From the intricacies of terrain and the artistry of fence construction to the vital role of safety technologies and the meticulous preparation leading up to the event, join us as we explore the collaboration, creativity, and sheer hard work that goes into preparing for one of eventing's most prestigious events.

2023

May 2, 2023
What an emotional weekend at the Land Rover Kentucky 5*. Nicole and Catherine review all the action from the memorable event and what this win means for US eventing.
April 29, 2023
Nicole & Sam hop off the emotional rollercoaster that is a 5* cross country day to give an immediate reaction on the day's action. 
April 25, 2023
Will we see the first female winner of Kentucky 5* since 2011? Nicole, Sam and Spike are here to preview the 5* field and let you know if they think it will be a woman taking home the title and if the US can bag themself a Kentucky winner after a long wait.
April 21, 2023
As we know these 5* events would be nothing without the huge team of volunteers who work so hard to help run such amazing events. So we thought we would chat with some of the people behind the Kentucky Three-Day Event. Nicole has caught up with Laura Voll, the Volunteer Coordinator, and Sandy Suffoletta a member of the Organizing Committee, who wears many hats at the event, to hear their volunteer story. Listen for free across all podcast platforms.
April 20, 2023
What a guest we have on the show today, it's none other than former World and European Champion Zara Tindall! She joins Nicole to talk through her ride for Kentucky, Class Affair, how her preparations have gone and her past 5* experiences. Listen for free across all podcast platforms.
April 5, 2023
Excitement is bubbling as we bring you the first Inside Kentucky show of 2023! Nicole and Diarm have their first look at the Kentucky entries and use the prediction center to give you an insight into what the data thinks will unfold in late April.
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