Defying the odds, wowing the crowds and showing that he still has what it takes at 64-years-old, defending champion Ijsbrand Chardon (NED) cruised to victory at the sixth leg of the FEI Driving World Cup™ in London this evening – replicating the feat he achieved a year ago.
In sync with the ebullient audience, Ijsbrand used all his experience to guide his team to the top in 142.29, with veteran leader Caspar setting the pace.
“It is amazing. The public, the adrenaline, I think we have a fantastic sport. A big compliment for the course designer, making a really good job and we saw it yesterday too – five drivers in one second. Five people can win. The level of all the drivers this year is so high,” said Ijsbrand.
Giving it his all, Dries Degrieck (BEL) was second for the third night in a row on 143.52. Despite having the fastest time, he had eight to add after two knocked cones which put him marginally behind the Dutchman.
“Almost all season I had a comfortable second place. I was a bit too fast there and I went a loose end so that was a mistake for me, but I’m really happy with the result. Every year, I always choose London because it’s a really nice competition and the organisation is super,” said Dries.
Keeping it in the family, Bram Chardon (NED) couldn’t quite match his father’s form but he gained a valuable third in 149.18. Irritated afterwards by a missed turn after obstacle five during the drive-off, Bram confessed that he was delighted to see that his team had the speed and technique to be in the top echelons again.
“In the drive-off, I blame myself. A wrong decision in that first obstacle to go the wrong way. The horses also didn’t know what I wanted to do so it was a misunderstanding but the fact that they kept fighting till the end was wonderful,” said Bram.
Having won in London on the previous two nights and been unassailable throughout the season so far, Boyd Exell (AUS) lost his winning streak and had to settle for fourth. Anna Mareike Meier (GER) was fifth, Glenn Geerts (BEL) was sixth and wild card Daniel Naprous (GBR) was seventh.
