Aussie success at Aachen

By Equestrian Life

CHIO Aachen, one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world, has wrapped up in Germany over the weekend with a number of outstanding performances from Australians.

On Saturday, Simone Pearce and Destano produced an outstanding test in the CDIO5* Grand Prix Special (the ‘MEGGLE Prize’), finishing second on 73.426% behind Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Ferdinand BB on 73.511%. The judges at M and B had Simone in first place. It was an amazing effort from Simone in her first appearance at Aachen.

Full results from the CDIO5* Grand Prix Special can be found here.

On Sunday, the ‘Prize of Family Richard Talbot’ Combined Driving Competition culminated with the final obstacles phase (cones). Australian driving legend Boyd Exell finished in third place overall with a score of 167.96, producing one of only three clear rounds in the final phase. Boyd and his team – Carlos, Checkmate, Hero and Ivor – were first after the dressage phase, finished 15th in the marathon, and were third on the final day to claim third place overall. The Netherlands’ Ijsbrand Chardon finished first on 164, while his fellow countryman Koos de Ronde finished second on 167.17, making it an exceptionally close competition!

Boyd Exell after winning the dressage phase.

© CHIO Aachen / Michael Strauch

Full results from the Combined Driving Competition can be found here.

On Saturday, Boyd teamed up with eventer Andrew Hoy and Bloom des Hauts Crets (owned by Odaria Finemore), and US showjumper Lillie Keenan and Diadarco van Evendael Z for the Porta-Cup. The fast-paced combined jumping, eventing and driving competition is very much a crowd favourite, and the two-thirds-Aussie team finished in first place.

Full results from the Porta Cup can be found here.

Also on Saturday, young rider Tayla Desmet contested the Inter I with Zaubermaus, finishing tenth on 69.353% in a very strong class that was won by Frederic Wandres. What an amazing achievement to compete at CHIO Aachen alongside many of the world’s best riders!

Full results from the Inter I can be found here.

You can read more about Tayla and her move to Europe here.

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