BOYD EXELL IN LYON!

What energy! Handling, speed, power and expertise were the ingredients of this FEI Driving World CupTM presented by LAITERIE DE MONTAIGU. Boyd Exell, the reigning world champion (for the sixth year in a row) showed incredible skill and control to take the lead in this first class.

Hosted at Equita Lyon since 2018, the FEI Driving World Cup stage really gets the audience fired up. Indeed, it is no surprise considering the sheer power exuded by these four-horse teams - the lead category of the discipline - and their drivers' impressive skill and mastery. 

Much to the delight of the audience in Lyon, the world's best drivers were competing in the main arena at the Longines Equita Lyon, Concours Hippique International during the first round of the driving competition this morning. The participants included the reigning world champion, Boyd Exell from Australia, the world number two Koos de Ronde from the Netherlands, and the reigning team world champion, Ijsbrand Chardon, also from the Netherlands! France was represented by Benjamin Aillaud, a regular on the World Cup circuit, who finished sixth in this class.  

After a first round, the drivers then went out in the reverse order of the provisional ranking to try to catch up or increase their lead. The course comprised sections that required speed and others dexterity. All the drivers took risks and gave their utmost during the class, not hesitating to encourage their horses with their voices.

The Dutch driver Ijsbrand Chardon posted a very fast overall time over the two rounds, leaving Boyd Exell – who was the last out in the second round – no other choice than to go very fast in order to try and lower the final time and win. Drawing on his experience, the reigning champion on the indoor circuit kept a cool head and managed to cross the finish line in 287.42 sec. The Australian rose to the challenge! "I am very happy. I made a few adjustments before my second run, so I am really pleased with the result. My current objective is to strengthen this team, which combines experienced horses with younger ones that still need some work, but which are very energetic. The fact I had to hold them back at the end of the course just goes to proves that," said the delighted winner of the day.

 

1.     Boyd Exell (AUS): 287.42 sec

2.     Ijsbrand Chardon (NED): 294.97 sec

3.     Koos de Ronde (NED): 309.87 sec