FORMER Bega carriage driver Boyd Exell made history on Monday, winning his sixth consecutive Federation of Equine International (FEI) World Cup Driving title.
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The win came after a hotly contested final in the competition’s last round held in Bordeaux, France, yesterday.
Germany’s Cristoph Sandmann finished second ahead of IJsbrand Chardon of The Netherlands.
“Over the last 10 days I’ve put a lot of effort into them [horses] and it has paid off now so we’re pleased,” Exell said in an interview.
“Especially with the new lead of Poker - he’s only seven and it’s his first season.”
The win is massive for Exell, who has now won the title more than the previous record holder Germany’s Michael Freund, making him the most prolific carriage driver in world history.
Exell had actually been a few seconds behind the time set by Chardon.
However, Exell’s final time skipped ahead and it was up to Chardon to post a clear time.
“Pressure, you’ve got to pressure them,” Exell said.
Things came crumbling down for the driver from The Netherlands after clipping a rail, he was then forced to retire from the race.
Exell dedicated the win to one of his horses, Junior.
“The thing I am most thrilled about is my right wheeler Junior [who] is 25,” Exell said.
“We said we’re going to retire him, he has been part of every world cup win and we said this is his last one and lets make him proud.”
It is an extreme feat for a horse to compete at that age, but Exell said the team had been monitoring him.
“How many horses can compete at 25?” Exell said.
“Its just incredible that he has done that well.”