This was my third year going to the Defender Kentucky 3-Day Event (formerly the Land Rover KY3DE). It is an equestrian event sponsored by Defender (Land Rover) held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington every year during the last weekend in April. My dealer has given me tickets and a special LR-only tailgate pass for the past three years. While equestrian sports personally do not interest me, I have a much greater appreciation for the sport and especiallyafter learning about all of the hard work and ruthless training that these riders go through.

As for Defender-related things, there is the special LR tailgate, which tickets are distributed between dealers close to Lexington (as there's no dealers in Lexington, they go to Cincinnati, Louisville, and Indianapolis). There is a Defender hospitality building where they had an OCTA on display, as well as a gift shop, a coffee bar, and a fire pit for people to enjoy. They have an off-road course where visitors can experience a little taste of what the Defender can do. There are steep hills, deep water crossings, and fairly extreme side tilts that are enough to terrify most people. There was a special op-up lounge with a rooftop viewing area that is only accessible to LR owners (you have to have a LR tailgate wristband or show your key to get access) and they served free mimosas in Defender-branded champagne flutes that we got to keep! They also had a number of the late Queen Elizabeth's Land Rovers, including: a 2005 L322 State Review Vehicle, a 1990 RRC State Review Vehicle, a 1983 Land Rover 110 (pre-Defender nameplate), a 1954 Series I originally owned by King George VI, and another 1954 Series I state Review Vehicle.

I tailgated with my friend and his family, and he brought down his 2022 RRS SVR Ultimate Edition. I also had a group of friends go down separately, and they met up with me while I grilled out and served drinks! Everyone thought I looked like Bond, too lol.

It was an incredibly long day, a fun one surrounded by Land Rovers, great friends, horses, and booze!



My tailgate setup with my friend's SVR Ultimate Edition.




These were about half of the LR tailgate. There was an Aintree Green D5 there, the only other one I've seen other than my old one and a low-spec HSE Td6 that we initially test drove at my dealer, which eventually sold out of state.



Ever seen James Bond on the grill?



Defender building with an OCTA Edition One.



Taken from the owner's lounge.



The off-road driving course.



The Queen's collection.



2005 L322 State Review Vehicle, currently owned by the British Motor Museum in Gaydon.



1990 RRC State Review Vehicle, currently owned by the British Motor Museum in Gaydon.



1983 110 V8 which is still owned by the Royal Family today.



1954 Series I State Review Vehicle, the first LR State Review Vehicle, currently owned by a private collector here in the US.



1954 Series I originally owned by King George VI. Queen Elizabeth used it and kept it at Balmoral. It is now owned by JLR Classic.



The full Royal collection on display.

 

Cool pics. Thanks for sharing.

 

Caught the event on ESPN2 this morning. Even sped @CincyRovers playing barkeeper on tv!

 

Looks like a lot of fun - great pics!

 

Yep, yesterday when I was on the tennis court, @H1Tad messaged me on Instagram saying he swore he saw me on ESPN2. I went on the ESPN app after my practice, and sure enough, there I was with my friend Andy making a G&T!

I had like seven people (including some of my friends) tell me I looked like Bond. Didn't plan it, but I can't help myself to think I do look a bit like Roger Moore when Bond gets off the Concorde in Moonraker.