Boyd's Firing Ahead of 50th

The Driving legend is targeting further successes as he prepares for a milestone birthday...

Boyd Exell is expecting sparks to fly when the FEI Driving World Cup™ Final takes place in Leipzig in just a few weeks’ time.

The Australian nine-time champion can’t wait to wow the fans once more after thoroughly enjoying the return to indoor action this European winter. The enthusiasm of the crowds, who loved returning to arenas for the four legs that were held, spurred Exell and his rivals to top performances.

While disappointed that this weekend’s scheduled event in Bordeaux couldn’t go ahead, Exell -- who turns 50 this July -- believes his rivalry with young Dutchman Bram Chardon will make for a thrilling final in Germany in April.

“We are all hopeful Leipzig can take place,” Exell told FEI.org. “I think everyone was very keen to compete this year and there was a real enthusiasm among the athletes and the fans.

“It will be an exciting final as both Bram and I have been in good form. I think much could depend on the layout of the course as to who prevails.”

Here's his famous win in the 2020 final...

Top Team

Exell plans to take his first-choice quartet of Barny, Nimrod, Bajnok and Rocket to Leipzig having experimented with his team during the season. Barny, one of his wheelers, is back after missing a few races due to a minor operation required after he suffered breathing problems in Lyon.

Exell has tinkered with his team this season both because of Barny’s absence and the hole left by the retirement of star right-wheeler Demi, who helped him to glory at the last FEI Driving World Cup™ Final two years ago.

Exell was keen to try out newbies such as Mad Max and Poker during the qualifiers, but a disappointing round outdoors at Aachen last year reminded him that big competitions are not the place to experiment.

“I was running two new horses this season and slightly changing the line-up for each race, but I should have my A team in the final,” Exell said.

“During the qualifiers, my team was a touch slow to the right, but I don’t expect that to be the case in the final.”

Exell was shocked to see his old rival Ijsbrand Chardon miss out on a place in the Leipzig final. While he expects to go head-to-head with the younger Chardon for glory, he’s mindful of another of his rivals.

Koos De Ronde was also in good form during the season, but his preparations have been rocked by the tragic passing away of one of his impressive horses. Exell recently spoke to the Dutchman, who is readjusting his plans for Leipzig after suffering that loss.

“It’s a real tragedy and a real shame as Koos’ team was looking good,” Exell said. “Koos said he’s now just going to aim for a place on the podium and see how that goes. The thing is that Bram and myself will be going all out for victory and you never know what might happen there. Perhaps we’ll both make mistakes and Koos will be there to get that first place.”

Looking Ahead

Exell is in pole position to make it a 10th FEI Driving World Cup™ Final victory in Leipzig following a turbulent two years since his last victory. He was finally able to travel to Australia to see family and friends and relax at the start of 2022 after three years, with the pandemic and wildfires having prevented him from travelling. Heading to Australia is always an opportunity to unwind and enjoy his love of water sports and take a short break from horses.

Exell returned home fully refreshed, and after a difficult two years his desire to achieve glory is undimmed as he prepares for Leipzig and the FEI World Championships in Pratoni – the location of his first FEI World Equestrian Games some 24 years ago. He was just a 26-year-old kid when he participated in Italy almost a quarter of century ago, and for now he's eager to keep on winning.

“The last two years haven’t impacted my love of Driving sport,” he said. “We are competition drivers so we need something to aim and strive for. Whatever the future, when I’m no longer competing, I’ll always have it in my blood. In terms of retirement, I’ll wait until the time is right.”

Words by Richard Mulligan