Boyd Exell Opens FEI Driving World Cup™ Season with Victory in Lyon

Australia’s Boyd Exell has begun his FEI Driving World Cup™ title defence in perfect form, taking victory in the opening leg of the new season in Lyon (FRA).

Despite a rare mistake in the first round on day two, when he took an extra loop in one of the marathon-style obstacles, Exell and his team recovered to qualify for the drive-off. From there, the six-time World Cup champion showed his trademark composure, producing a clear and fast round in 162.55 seconds to secure the win.

“My first round, I did an extra circle,' said Exell afterward, shaking his head. He credited his horses with bringing the time back for him. “The wheelers are blood horses. They get some wind in their lungs and they come alive. The leaders are intelligent and sensitive. Then, in the drive off we put things back to where we wish them to be.

I love horses and I love training them and I will look at this performance and look what I can do better and not impede them again. Lyon is a brilliant event to start with, and they are very hospitable and look after the drivers very well. The crowd and public are really behind the driving and it’s fantastic to be here.”

Using the same team of horses that helped him win the title in Bordeaux earlier this year, Exell also led from start to finish on day one, setting up a strong start to the 2025–26 season. The result gives him maximum qualifying points and an early lead in the standings.

Team Exell now heads to Maastricht (NED) for the second leg of the World Cup, the only Australian combination in the field as the season builds toward the final in Bordeaux next February.