Another World Cup Podium for Australia’s Boyd Exell

Australia’s Boyd Exell added another podium finish to his extraordinary FEI Driving World Cup™ record at the FEI Driving World Cup Final, finishing third after two intense days of four-in-hand competition at Jumping International de Bordeaux.

The defending champion, who has claimed the World Cup title an unmatched 11 times, faced an uncharacteristically challenging weekend, with penalties on Day 2 ultimately costing him the chance to defend his crown. Despite that, Exell produced a clear round on Sunday to secure his place in the decisive drive off, underlining once again why he remains the benchmark of the sport.

Belgium’s Dries Degrieck claimed his first ever World Cup title, finishing fastest overall across the weekend. The 30-year-old, who had placed second at last year’s Final, capitalised on consistency and carried minimal penalties into the drive off to take victory. Three-time champion Bram Chardon of the Netherlands finished second.

Heading into Sunday, Exell found himself in fourth place after strong performances from Degrieck, Bram Chardon and Ijsbrand Chardon. The Australian responded by drawing on his experience and precision, going clear in the opening round on Day 2 and advancing to the final drive off alongside Degrieck and Bram Chardon.

The shortened drive off course demanded speed, accuracy and endurance, with teams tackling their third round in less than 24 hours. Exell, partnered by Emma Olsson and Wannes Larson, incurred penalties that proved costly, finishing on a total score of 294.33. That placed him just behind Chardon and ahead of the remaining field, securing third place overall.

Degrieck delivered the fastest drive of the final, stopping the clock in 132.19 seconds with only four penalties, while Bram Chardon added penalties early to finish second.

While the World Cup title moved to Belgium this season, Exell’s podium finish in Bordeaux reinforced his enduring presence at the top level of international driving. With the FEI World Championship set to be held in Aachen, Germany, in August, the Australian champion will now turn his focus to outdoor competition as preparations begin for the next major test on the global stage.