Success for Exell at FEI Awards

Australia's own World Driving Champion Boyd Exell is equestrian's man of the moment after being honoured by the sport's international governing body, the Federation Equestre International (FEI).

Exell was announced Reem Acra Best Athlete for 2015 at the FEI's Gala Awards Ceremony which was held in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He was presented with his award by FEI President Ingmar De Vos and American film and television actress Bo Derek who is Chair of the Awards Jury.

The FEI Awards recognise outstanding contributions to the progress and excellence of equestrian sport within and out of the arena. The Best Athlete award is presented to an athlete who has demonstrated exceptional skill and taken the sport to a new level.

Exell currently holds both the indoor and outdoor individual world Driving titles. Earlier in 2015 he wrote history by winning the (indoor) FEI World Cup Driving title for the sixth time, eclipsing the previous record of five.

Also in 2015 Exell was awarded the Ariat International Athlete of the Year Award at the Equestrian Australia Sport Achievement Awards Night. It followed his gold medal winning performance in the individual Driving at the FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) in 2014. At these Games he was one of five in the Australian team to represent Australia at their fifth WEG.

In winning best athlete Exell edged out a who's who of equestrian superstars including Olympic and World Equestrian Games medallists William Fox-Pitt, Charlotte Dujardin, Ingrid Klimke and Jeroen Dubbeldman, as well as the World Vaulting Champion Jacques Ferrari.

Chair of Equestrian Australia Judy Fasher said Boyd was a deserving winner.

"There is no disputing Boyd's skill and horsemanship and his achievements in the sport of Driving are unparalleled," she said.

"We are both pleased and proud of Boyd's success and the international recognition he has received through winning the FEI Reem Acra Best Athlete."