Four-time FEI World Cup™ Driving Champion Boyd Exell (AUS) had an excellent start of the FEI World Cup™ Driving’s 12th season in Hannover, Germany this weekend. Exell and his team of horses were in top form and they performed as if their last World Cup competition had taken place only last week and not eight months ago at the previous season’s Final held in Bordeaux (FRA) in Febuary. Exell won the opening leg in Hannover ahead of IJsbrand Chardon (NED) and Tomas Eriksson (SWE).

Exciting Winning Round

Boyd Exell drove a very fast and clear first round and challenged Chardon who followed him in the arena. Chardon drove his team of Lipizzaner horses at high speed throughout the course, but had one knockdown and was unable to beat Exell’s time.

Tomas Eriksson did the same and finished just behind Chardon in third place. Both Eriksson and Chardon knocked a ball down in the Winning Round, which gave Exell an advantage of approximately 12 seconds. The Australian drove his team magnificently round the course and even changed routes in the first marathon obstacle in order to go faster. In the last part of the course, he went at such a high speed that he unexpectedly cut a corner and drove his horses through the marathon obstacle to the last gate. This made the many enthusiastic spectators explode with joy and Exell was loudly cheered as he crossed the finishing line having scored a clear round. He was declared the winner and was presented with a special saddle chair, which was offered to him by the sponsor of the FEI World Cup™ Driving in Hannover, Klingenberg exclusive furniture.

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