Boyd Exell Claims Victory at Royal Windsor Horse Show for 11th Time

Five-time world champion, Boyd Exell produced a near perfect Obstacle Driving masterclass on the final day of Royal Windsor Horse Show, finishing with 131.03 points. Accruing just one time penalty, the Australian beat the Dutch contingent of Koos De Ronde (136.74 points) and IJsbrand Chardon (138.58 points) into overall second and third places respectively.

After former Royal Windsor champion and Friday's Dressage winner IJsbrand had an Obstacle Driving phase to forget – knocking down one ball and exceeding the time limit – De Ronde leapfrogged his compatriot into second place in the overall standings, where he stayed after a flawless double clear, the only one of the final phase, a test of the driver's competence and the horses' obedience. 

On his 11th title victory at Royal Windsor Horse Show, Exell, commented: "I lived in the UK for 25 years, so it's like driving at home. But that also brings pressure, the same as when we drive at Olympia. We've got a really good team of people, and really good horses. We just keep our focus over the course of the weekend, through ups and downs, and do our best for the sport. It was so nice to see everybody yesterday on the cross-country, not quite as many as other years, but that's understandable. The good thing is that the sport carries on, and we keep fighting on for our passion and our horses. My left leader, Zac did his first cones course competition at an international, and I'm delighted that he did a really good job for me in there. Taking a young horse around an international course isn't ideal, but it was really worthwhile for his experience."

Full results can be found here.

*Supplied by RWHS