London International Horse Show Day Three Exell Reigns Again as Britain Shines at Home

Day three of the London International Horse Show delivered high drama throughout the schedule. Australian star Boyd Exell claimed his second consecutive victory in the FEI Driving World Cup, once again underlining his dominance in indoor driving, while a series of CSI5* classes saw British riders enjoy a highly successful day on home soil.

In the FEI Driving World Cup, Exell sealed victory in the decisive drive-off with aggressive lines and blistering speed, proving untouchable despite a minor mistake. Belgium’s Dries Degrieck finished second with the only clear round of the competition, while Dutch legend Ijsbrand Chardon completed the podium in third. Exell’s back-to-back wins were made all the more impressive by the fact he was competing with a foot injury.

The CSI5* Six Bar produced a thrilling test of power, going to five rounds before ending in a tie. British icon John Whitaker shared top honours with Sebastian Hughes, who partnered the 18.2hh giant Colorado, once again demonstrating the horse’s exceptional ability in power classes and securing a home victory for the British crowd.

Show ambassador Matthew Sampson added to the celebrations by taking victory in the CSI5* Mistletoe Stakes. Riding Balento C.S., he dominated the jump-off, stopping the clock more than a second clear of the opposition. Robert Whitaker followed closely in second, giving Great Britain a one-two finish in the class.

Luxembourg’s rising star Victor Bettendorf continued to write his own London success story by claiming his third win of the show in the CSI5* Reindeer Stakes. A fast and efficient round aboard Cancun Torel Z saw him defeat Britain’s Jack Whitaker and move clear at the top of the leading rider standings.

Beyond the elite showjumping action, the day also showcased the breadth of the event, with showing and rising star championships decided across the arenas. From retrained racehorses to amateur and development finals, the results highlighted the unique diversity of the London International Horse Show as anticipation builds for the major finals still to come.