LEXINGTON, KY – David Doel (GBR) and Galileo Nieuwmoed delivered a stellar performance at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, clinching third place after a flawless show jumping round today, April 26th. The British pair, who sat fourth after a demanding cross-country phase, rose to the occasion, finishing on their impressive dressage score.

Doel lauded the 15-year-old gelding, Galileo Nieuwmoed, describing his effort as "absolutely mega, fantastic." Their clear round in the show jumping arena was a testament to both horse's athleticism and rider's precision, navigating a challenging course that saw several top contenders fault.

This podium finish marks another significant achievement for Doel, adding to his growing resume of five-star successes. The partnership between Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed has matured over years, showcasing consistency and resilience across all three phases of eventing. Their dressage test set a strong foundation, and their cross-country ride, while not the fastest, was clean and efficient, preserving their penalty count.

The final show jumping phase at Kentucky is notoriously influential, often reshuffling the top placings. Doel's ability to maintain focus and execute a perfect round under immense pressure highlights his skill and Galileo Nieuwmoed's reliability. The horse's experience was evident, jumping with power and carefulness, particularly over the demanding triple combination.

This result not only solidifies Doel's standing on the international eventing circuit but also underscores the enduring quality of Galileo Nieuwmoed. Their performance at Kentucky will undoubtedly be a talking point as the eventing season progresses, with eyes now turning towards potential selections for major championships later in the year. The consistency displayed by this pair suggests they are serious contenders for future top honors.