Townend, Canter, Martin, and McEwen headline Defender Kentucky CCI5*-L lineup while Smith and Baum trade in their title for a new challenge

The lineup for the 2019 Defender Kentucky CCI5*-L has been released, featuring four of the top riders in the FEI World Rankings: Oliver Townend, Ros Canter, Boyd Martin, and Tom McEwen. A total of 47 horse-and-rider combinations will be competing in this prestigious event, which takes place from April 24-28 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.

Unfortunately, last year’s winners Tamie Smith and Mai Baum will not be returning to defend their title this year. Instead, they have entered the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S, where many five-star regulars will be competing.

Several other pairs have also entered the Badminton CCI5*-L, which is set to take place from May 8-12 in England. These include Oliver Townend with Cooley Rosalent, Grace Taylor with Game Changer, Meghan O’Donoghue with Palm Crescent, Boyd Martin with Tsetserleg TSF and On Cue, Kirsty Chabert with Classic VI, Ros Canter with Izilot DHI, and Jessica Phoenix with Wabbit.

For a full list of the five-star entries in Defender Kentucky CCI5*-L, please refer to the specific list provided. If you are interested in seeing a complete list of the four-star entries for both events, that information is also available.