The first driving competition at the 2019 edition of Olympia, The London International Horse Show took off with a bang, as Boyd Exell cruised home ahead of Daniel Naprous in the Extreme Driving, supported by Karen and Hugh Scott-Barrett.
The timed competition, consisting of two rounds with the fastest three going to second round to complete different course against the clock, was an exciting opener to the FEI Driving World Cup classes, which will come later in the week. British driver Daniel Naprous meant business when he entered the arena, and drove with full power and determination to finish on 133.39 seconds with 4 to count. This was an epic moment for Naprous, who qualified for his first ever drive off. Chester Weber, drawn second to go, made an early error but made up for it with some spectacular driving to finish on 144.41 and 4. Last to go, Boyd Exell produced a master class of fluidity and speed, finishing the first round on 129.6 with nothing to add to head into the lead.
In the second round, Naprous was quick but paid the price and had 12 to add. A steadier round from Weber still knocked two balls for 8 faults before Exell returned for a second drive, clear on a time of 131.77.
Winner Boyd Exell said, “When I walked the course I knew it could be very fast. Tight turns also meant you had to drive with 100% accuracy, and I’m really pleased with how my team performed.”
